Football quarterback Nathan Rourke of the B.C. Lions praises James Butler, elaborating that he is one of the finest players that Rourke has ever shared a field with.
In the bustling world of the Canadian Football League (CFL), James Butler, a 27-year-old running back, has been making waves with the B.C. Lions. As the 2025 season unfolds, Butler has emerged as a standout player, leading the league in rushing yards (785) and boasting the highest average yards per carry (5.6) among players with at least 50 attempts.
Butler's impressive performance has not gone unnoticed. He ranks second league-wide with six rushing touchdowns and has accumulated 245 receiving yards, bringing his total offensive yards to 1,030 with seven total touchdowns. This stellar season has put him on pace to potentially break Joe Smith's franchise single-season rushing record of 1,510 yards.
Butler joined the Lions in 2021 and has already notched two 1,000-yard rushing seasons. His tenure with the Lions was briefly interrupted by a two-year stint with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, which ended in January 2025 at his request. However, he returned to the Lions this season, rejoining forces with quarterback Nathan Rourke, with whom he previously played.
Rourke, speaking to the media, described Butler as "one of the best players" he has played with and a vital locker room presence. Butler's strong chemistry with Rourke has been highlighted as a factor in the Lions' offensive success this season.
Butler's versatility extends beyond his rushing ability. He is also valued for his receiving skills and overall offensive contribution. At five-foot-eight and 215 pounds, Butler is a formidable ball-carrier who excels in pass blocking, ball protection, and running the ball.
The B.C. Lions (4-5) will host the Montreal Alouettes (5-4) at BC Place Stadium on August 16, with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. EDT. Fans can tune in on TSN 690 in Montreal and 730 CKNW in Vancouver. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally.
Radio listeners can also look forward to Rourke's enthusiasm as he shares the backfield with Butler once again. If Butler stays healthy, it's not unrealistic to think he could surpass Smith's single-season franchise rushing record.
Butler's journey in the CFL has seen him share a locker room with notable NFL players such as Brandon Scherff, Dexter Lawrence, and Josh Hines-Allen. He also played two seasons with the Lions before his brief stint with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Head coach Buck Pierce has praised Butler, calling him versatile, consistent, and a great teammate. Pierce also noted that Butler is very level-headed and just wants to improve and help his team win. Butler has expressed gratitude towards the Lions and the organization for believing in him.
Butler and fellow running back Dedrick Mills have also shown a competitive spirit towards each other, pushing each other to perform at their best. Despite the competition, the duo's camaraderie has been a key factor in the Lions' success this season.
In summary, James Butler's career CFL achievements include leading the league in rushing yards and yards per carry, multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, significant dual-threat contributions as both a rusher and a receiver, a leading role in the B.C. Lions' offense, and recognition from teammates and analysts as a top CFL running back. As the season progresses, fans can expect Butler to continue his impressive form and potentially break more records.
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