The BC Lions have announced the signing of French Global player, linebacker Maxime Rourer to the practice roster.
Rouyer spent the 2022 season with the Wroclaw Panthers in the European League of Football. He amassed 89 tackles (33 solo), 4,5 sacks, 7.5 TFL, 3 fumble recoveries and one touchdown from a recovered fumble.
The young French athlete had spent the previous two seasons with the Edmonton Elks, appearing in 17 games in 2019, before playing in only one game in 2021. The native of Troyes, France product was limited in 2021 due to a toe injury that kept him sidelined throughout most of the season. His only appearance came in Week 10 when he suited up against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and recorded one special teams’ tackle.
A Global addition 🇫🇷 #BCLions sign linebacker Maxime Rouyer to the practice squad. He suited up in 18 games over the last two seasons with Edmonton 🦁#RoarLikeNeverBefore
— BC LIONS (@BCLions) September 12, 2022
The 6’1″, 225-pound, 28 year old defender recorded three special teams tackles during his rookie season back in 2019. He was acquired by Edmonton as the fourth overall pick in the 2019 CFL European Draft.
Straight from Wroclaw to the BC Lions! Maxime Rouyer has signed a contract in the CFL and soon we will see him in Canada again! Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/U8CNgqfOAa
— Panthers Wrocław (@pantherswroclaw) September 13, 2022
Rouyer had previous experience playing in Canada as a member of the McGill University Redmen from 2015-2018. During his four seasons in Montreal, Rouyer made 23 appearances, 103 tackles, and four and a half sacks for the Redmen. The future pro started playing football at the age of 16 with Pygargues de Troyes in northeastern France.