Bourke does battle every play

By Andrew Soong, August 15th, 2012

When Josh Bourke started playing football he admits that he wasn't that skilled at the sport.
“I wasn't very good when I started playing football,” admitted Bourke about his first time playing football in high school. “I didn't get a starting position until my senior year.”
However, since then Bourke has become one of the most decorated Alouettes in the CFL including a second consecutive nomination as the Alouettes Most outstanding lineman and a fourth East Division All-Star placement. Moreover last season Bourque was crowned by the CFL as the Most Outstanding lineman. Bourke humbly concedes that
it is because “of the organization that I try to be the best player I can be.”
The veteran Alouette came to Montreal after a short stint in the NFL in 2006. However, when Bourke was released by the Green Bay Packers in June of 2007, he was quickly signed by the Alouettes just weeks later in August and has been with the Alouettes ever since extending his contract with the Als' earlier this year. According to Bourke about his first year with the Als “fortunately for me at the time there was an injury on the team and I got thrust in.”
“It's been awesome being here with two championships, but it's all about hard work,” said Bourque fondly remembering the Als' Grey Cup victories. “There's no secret formula and guys stick around even with 10-20 K more a year elsewhere.”
The Windsor Ontario native has also made Montreal his home since signing with the Alouettes. In the off-season Bourke can be found visiting schools throughout the province with the latest “Back to school with CN and the Alouettes” program. The visits also include juvenile facilities where Als' can address some kids in smaller groups.
“I find it easier to connect with the kids in smaller groups and help them from making some mistakes I made,” said Bourke about his time on the Als' outreach program. “Montreal is a great city and there's always something to do or get into trouble.”