It’s not every day you see quarterbacks from across the border signing in the NFL. It’s a rare opportunity, 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. After hearing crickets on draft night, Wilfrid Laurier University’s QB Taylor Elgersma 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.

On Monday, it was reported that Elgersma will be part of the Packers’ 90-man offseason roster, making him just the fourth quarterback from a Canadian university to sign with an NFL team and the first since the 1980s. He becomes part of a four-man quarterback group in Green Bay, joining starter Jordan Love along with former backups Malik Willis and Sean Clifford.

Elgersma guided the Laurier Golden Hawks to an impressive 11-1 season, capping it off with a trip to the Vanier Cup, the Canadian national championship. His standout play earned him a historic invitation to the Senior Bowl, making him just the second U Sports athlete ever to receive that honor. It was there that the Packers got a firsthand look at his potential.

On Monday, Taylor’s alma mater, Golden Hawks, dropped a clip of the rookie QB getting real about his NFL journey. “There were a lot of emotions,” Elgersma told LaurierAthletics.com “This was a lot of hard work and a long journey to get to this. When I didn’t hear my name called on draft night (NFL), of course, there was disappointment. But my path was a little different. I think it speaks volumes to controlling what you can control.”

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. Though the Winnipeg Blue Bombers selected him in the second round of the CFL Draft in April, many believed his future lay south of the border, and now, that prediction has come true.

“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. Being able to play for coaches like that, who develop players and quarterbacks specifically, I couldn’t be happier with where I am,” Taylor added.

Notably, Elgersma only began playing football in 10th grade, as he grew up playing hockey before changing sports at Wilfrid Laurier University. He was the top college football player in Canada last season, delivering a stellar performance by completing 293 of 397 passes for 4,252 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also added seven rushing touchdowns across 13 games, showcasing his dual-threat ability and dominance on the field.

He finished his collegiate career with 78 touchdown passes, 33 interceptions, and 18 rushing touchdowns across 41 games. So what does he bring to the Packers?

Can Taylor Elgersma be a beacon for Canadian QBs in the NFL?

Elgersma’s 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.