Kurtis Rourke is the first quarterback from Indiana University to be selected to participate in the NFL Combine since Nate Sudfeld in 2016.
In 2024, he was awarded the best Canadian football player in the NCAA, leading the Hoosiers to their first College Football Playoff game in program history.
Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke Defied the Odds, Playing on a Torn ACL in 2024
Rourke has revealed that he played the full 2024 season with a torn ACL in his right knee. The injury, which he sustained while playing for Ohio University in 2022, returned in 2024 before he took his first official snap with Indiana.
An MRI showed a partially damaged ACL. He expected some discomfort throughout the season, but the doctors did not tell him he couldn’t play.
He wanted to play with the best and compete, so he transferred to Indiana.
“I look back and look at how great the team did and how well I was able to perform with the torn ACL,” Rourke said. “So I just look at it and want to tell teams that, if I did that on a torn ACL and a broken thumb, imagine what I could do when I’m fully healthy.”
Here’s #iufb QB Kurtis Rourke at the NFL Combine on playing through injuries this year. Head to https://t.co/33Ugb8Kcl4 for plenty of #NFLCombine coverage. @ZachOsterman pic.twitter.com/eEaUERvTtk
— Clark Wade (@ClarkWade34) February 28, 2025
Despite his injury, the 6-foot-5 quarterback guided Indiana to a remarkable 11-2 record, securing the Hoosiers’ first College Football Playoff spot. His stats speak for itself:
- Passing Yards: 3,042
- Touchdowns: 29
- Completion Rate: 69.4%
His stellar performance got him ninth place in the Heisman Trophy voting, establishing his legendary status for Indiana football.
What is his biggest moment? Leading Indiana to a shocking victory over Michigan, showcasing that even a seriously injured quarterback can defeat one of the nation’s top teams.
Rourke finally had ACL revision surgery to cope with the injury. This operation is crucial for him to achieve his NFL goals. His NFL Draft prospects remain questionable, but his passion and skill set make him a player to watch in 2025.
KEEP READING: ‘Warrior’ – Kurtis Rourke Throws at Combine, Two Months After ACL Surgery
Rourke’s 2024 season will be remembered as one of college football’s most powerful, inspiring, and incredible seasons.
While injuries frequently sideline athletes, Rourke redefined perseverance, showing that nothing could stop him from achieving excellence. Imagine what Rourke’s game could look like at full strength.
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