CFL.ca
CFL.ca Staff
#CFLFA14
MONTREAL — Troy Smith and Tanner Marsh can breathe a little easier today.
Tuesday, the Montreal Alouettes announced the re-signing of left tackle Josh Bourke to a new two-year contract. Bourke, 31, was the ranked as the fourth best free agent available by CFL.ca.
“Big signing here,” said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp. “Not only does this signing allows us to maintain one of our all-important non-import starters, but Josh has been an anchor on our O-line as well as a leader both on and off the field for the last number of years.”
After being selected by the Alouettes in the third round of the 2004 CFL Draft, Bourke took his time honing his skills behind a deep Montreal offensive line.
But the Windsor, ON native blossomed into one of the league’s elite offensive lineman, eventually earning the daunting task of protecting Anthony Calvillo’s blindside for the last seven seasons.
In 2011, Bourke was named the league’s Most Outstanding Lineman at the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player Awards and in 2012 he earned his second-consecutive nomination as the East Division’s Most Outstanding Lineman, while also being named a back-to-back CFL All-Star.
Josh Bourke making it official with @Joey_Abrams and @PoppJim. #Alouettes #CFLFA14 pic.twitter.com/blCV8bSHG8
— Montreal Alouettes (@MTLAlouettes) February 11, 2014
