It’s not every day you see quarterbacks from across the border signing in the NFL. It’s a rare opportunity, and you can imagine the pressure and uncertainty weighing on those trying to make it. Especially when you’re coming from a league that hasn’t seen anyone break into the NFL in decades. But this year, things have changed. A Canadian QB has ended a long-standing drought, officially signing with an NFL team. Taylor Elgersma’s name has been popping up in headlines lately. After hearing crickets on draft night, the Canadian QB didn’t just sit around twiddling his thumbs. He went straight to the Packers’ rookie minicamp. And now, he’s officially inked a deal with the team.
And now, after finally cracking the NFL, Taylor Elgersma is opening up about the wild ride that got him here. So what did the 23-year-old have to say? On Monday, Taylor’s alma mater, Laurier Golden Hawks, dropped a clip of the rookie QB getting real about his NFL journey. “I think there were a lot of emotions. You know, this was a lot of hard work and a long journey to get to this,” Elgersma shared.
“To be signed in Green Bay, it’s a perfect fit,” the QB shared, glowing with optimism. “From coaching staff to organization… It’s an unbelievable place.” But alongside the gratitude, Elgersma also had a message for his new team’s HC, Matt LaFleur, and QB Jordan Love. “I wanted to showcase that they could believe in me and they could take a chance on me,” he said.
The 23-year-old isn’t just looking forward to wearing a Packers jersey, he’s eager to grow under Coach LaFleur. “You see the pride in that fan base when you pull into the city,” he said. “Being able to play for coaches like that, who develop players and quarterbacks specifically, I couldn’t be happier with where I am,” added Taylor.
In his own words.@LaurierFootball grad Taylor Elgersma reflects on his journey to become just the fourth Canadian university quarterback – and first in 37 years – to sign an @NFL contract and finding a “perfect fit” with the @packers.#SoarAbove · @ElgersmaTaylor pic.twitter.com/fCoIUeUpCE
— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) May 12, 2025
The QB didn’t hear his name called on NFL Draft night. But he was ranked 14th in the CFL 2025 class. CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers snagged him in the second round as the 18th overall pick. But Taylor had his sights locked on one goal: the NFL. So when the opportunity came to attend a rookie mini-camp, Taylor walked away with a contract. And what he’s pulled off has turned heads on both sides of the border. It’s something that hasn’t happened in nearly four decades.
Can Taylor Elgersma be a beacon for Canadian QBs in the NFL?
Elgersma started his collegiate career playing as the backup QB for Laurier’s team. His career with the Golden Hawks has been one for the books. The 23-year-old was one of the best players, winning the MVP twice in the Ontario conference. Taylor also won the 2024 Hec Crighton Trophy—you could call it the Canadian version of the Heisman Trophy.
So when he made it to the NFL, his Laurier HC, Michael Faulds, was full of praise for the young QB. “We are incredibly proud of Taylor and so excited for him,” said Faulds. “Anyone that gets to watch him throw live comes away impressed, and I’m so glad that the Packers staff got to, and are now going to sign him,” he added. Elgersma’s signing with the Packers becomes even more historic because he’s the first QB from Canadian U Sports to land an NFL contract in 37 years.
That kind of drought-breaking moment puts his achievement in a league of its own. As Elgersma put it himself, “It means so much to me to be the first U Sports quarterback to sign an NFL contract. You see how many great quarterbacks have gone before me, and Trey Ford, Chris Merchant, Michael O’Connor, Michael Faulds, you know, these guys have paved the way. And to be the first one to actually, you know, put pen to paper in the NFL is something that’s super surreal.”
Taylor was invited for a visit to Lambeau Field by the Packers even before the draft. Matt LaFleur was impressed with his strong throwing abilities during the visit. “We had him in on a 30 visit, so we got an opportunity to sit down with him, another guy that loves football,” LaFleur shared. “Watching him throw, he’s got a live arm, so there’s a lot to like about him.”
So, now backed by the Packers and driven by a 37-year dream, Taylor Elgersma isn’t just representing U Sports; he’s in the NFL to prove he belongs on football’s biggest stage. Will Elgersma be able to leave a lasting legacy? Guess we’ll find out.
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