Who said tough times don’t lead to something good? Just look at Kurtis Rourke’s story. This Ontario, Canada native has been walking a tightrope since things got rough with a season-ending injury back in 2022 at Ohio. Instead of giving up, Kurtis bet on himself, transferring to Indiana for one more shot. Even after his leg injury flared up again following an 11-2 run with the Hoosiers, did he quit? Nope. He played through 2024 with a torn ACL before finally getting surgery in January. Now, all that grit has paid off, and his amazing partner has been right there cheering him on every step.

The draft might be over, but it left a mark on every player’s heart. And for Kurtis Rourke, it was a massive moment. On the final day, things finally swung his way when the 49ers picked him—their first and only QB of the 2025 season—in the seventh round, pick No. 227. Now, Kurtis is joining forces with starter Brock Purdy and backups Mac Jones and Tanner Mordecai. After the 49ers focused heavily on defense in the draft, adding Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, Nick Martin, and C.J. West, Kurtis’s arrival was a bit of a surprise.

Of course, Kurtis Rourke’s wife couldn’t miss celebrating this huge moment with him. Caroline Clippard wasted no time hopping on IG with a big congrats message for her man, highlighting all the hurdles he’s jumped. “So many prayers answered, and we couldn’t be more excited for what God has in store in San Francisco! Feeling super grateful for the blessings, the journey, and everyone who’s been part of it. Go 49ers!!!” You can just tell Kurtis Rourke is going to bring something special to that 49ers team.

Kurtis Rourke’s impressive football journey started with five seasons at Ohio before he transferred to Indiana last year, leading the Hoosiers to the College Football Playoff. He even set a school record with 31 touchdowns, making a name for himself as a top QB nationwide. Over 46 career starts, he racked up 10,682 passing yards, 79 touchdowns, and only 21 interceptions, earning him a second-team All-Big Ten nod.

Now, Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board had Rourke at number 228. Here’s what Brugler noted about him in his yearly NFL Draft guide: “When in structure, Rourke delivers with anticipation, pace, and placement and is at his best on isolation routes, especially back shoulders and sideline bucket throws. Though fearless in the pocket, his struggles start to pop up when forced to move from his spot, which leads to lower-body mechanical issues and inaccuracy—he completed just 57 percent of his passes and averaged 163 passing yards against the three best defenses on the 2024 schedule (Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State).”

But Brugler also made sure to point out Kurtis Rourke’s strengths: “Overall, Rourke is a good-sized pocket passer who will push the ball downfield when everything stays on schedule, but his average mobility will be tough to mask against NFL defenses. He is a potential Aidan O’Connell-level backup if he stays healthy.”

Standing tall at 6’4″, his frame gives him a real advantage as a pocket passer. Unlike the 49ers’ 2021 gamble on Trey Lance’s limited experience, Rourke’s 1,267 career pass attempts show he’s got the experience for the NFL. Whether he makes the final 53-man roster is still up in the air, but getting drafted at all is a big deal.

Why Kurtis Rourke is a perfect fit for the 49ers

Kurtis Rourke’s exact role on the team might be unclear right now, but there’s a plan brewing. Back in January, Kyle Shanahan was crystal clear: “Brock is the leader of our team.” No coach-speak there. He doubled down, saying, “I plan on being with Brock here the whole time I’m here.” That’s a real commitment, the kind you make when you’re building your offense around someone.

A new contract is the only thing holding back the official announcement. Shanahan calling Brock a leader after drafting Kurtis Rourke in the seventh round just reinforces this. Drafting a quarterback who’s still rehabbing like Rourke, shows two things: they trust Brock’s leadership, and they’re thinking about who might be next in line down the road.

The 49ers took a chance on drafting Rourke, knowing he’d be out until training camp. GM John Lynch explained, “We just felt like there was a lot of talent, a lot of ability. The guy plays the game the right way.” Even with the timing, the 49ers saw a quarterback with serious potential for the future. Adding Rourke to Brock Purdy and Mac Jones gives them some solid depth and exciting possibilities.

Beyond the stats, Rourke’s toughness really stands out. Playing a whole season with a torn ACL impressed 49ers scouting director Josh Williams: “He’s tough he played with a torn ACL. He showed his toughness there. He’s a guy we’re excited about.” That grit and leadership were key to his selection; the 49ers saw a player with the right character and skills to potentially become a top quarterback.

And finally, Shanahan summed it all up, saying, “We took him with the understanding that he’s not going to likely be cleared until training camp.” The coach took a chance on Rourke, recognizing his potential even though the young quarterback needs time to heal, believing his skills make him a valuable long-term asset for the team. The 49ers are hoping Rourke becomes a key player for years to come once he’s back to full strength.