Chris Streveler serves as a relatable figure for both Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke’s current journey and running back Brady Oliveira’s aspiring path.
The ex-Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback recognizes that the path to the NFL is far from straightforward for individuals transitioning from the CFL. Rourke, who showcased an impressive performance in the 2022 season with the B.C. Lions, recently joined his second NFL team, the New England Patriots, after being claimed off waivers from Jacksonville.
This season marked the third occasion the Jaguars placed Rourke on waivers, and finally, he was claimed, a significant achievement.
Expressing his enthusiasm via text, Streveler remarked, “Awesome for him. Hopefully, he gets an opportunity to play! Those chances are hard to come by for us undrafted guys.”
In a subsequent phone conversation from his newly-acquired home in Scottsdale, Ariz., Streveler, amidst home renovations, elaborated on the challenges faced by players like Rourke and Oliveira. Oliveira, the Bombers running back eyeing a venture south this winter, mirrors the hurdles.
“As an undrafted guy, they’re not as invested in you,” Streveler explained. “Draft somebody, give them guaranteed money, spend a draft pick on them—there’s an investment. When you’re undrafted, there’s not as much skin in the game. So getting your foot in the door is tougher. Rourke, though, has clearly achieved that.”
Oliveira, fresh from an impressive 1,500-yard rushing season, aspires to follow suit.
Streveler expressed, “I hope he gets those opportunities. I have tremendous respect for the Canadian game, and what he did up there this season was outstanding. He demonstrated prowess as a running back, showcased his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, and understood protection responsibilities. These are crucial aspects when aiming for a shot in the NFL.”
“The workouts are much shorter than you expect,” he remarked. “It may be a half-hour. You do a warmup, they put you through a couple of drills. Just be you. Have fun with it. Don’t make it bigger than it is. It’s just a workout. You’ve done that a million times.”
Rourke finds himself in a promising position with the Patriots, who have a shortage at the quarterback position.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick, when asked about Rourke’s resume, offered a succinct response, “Productive preseason, Canada.”
Rourke’s preseason performance featured a viral play: a scrambling, chaotic touchdown pass executed while he was being tackled. His success in Canada was equally noteworthy, challenging Bombers veteran Zach Collaros for the CFL Most Outstanding Player Award in ’22 at the age of 24. Unfortunately, an injury sidelined him for a significant portion of the season, but he still earned the top Canadian award.
Oliveira, the recent winner of the same award, may find significance in this achievement if he gets an opportunity in the NFL.
Streveler, the Bombers’ dual-threat playoff hero in the 2019 Grey Cup run, emphasized that those from the CFL shouldn’t downplay their abilities when transitioning to the NFL. He advised, “There’s a reason you’re in that position. It’s because you’re good enough. That would be my advice for anyone from the CFL… that’s high-level football. So don’t downplay that. Don’t make the NFL bigger than it is.”
Streveler, who carved his NFL path with twists and turns, had a remarkable preseason with the Jets, but a thumb injury led to his release from the New York Jets earlier this season. His journey included stops in Arizona, Baltimore, Miami, and the Jets, along with workouts for other teams that didn’t result in contracts, including his most recent one with San Francisco last month.
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