GUELPH, Ont. - Former Golden Hawks defensive back Patrick Burke Jr. is gearing up for his third season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after being drafted 29th overall in 2023. 

The Tiger-Cats wrapped up their preseason last Friday against the reigning Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts at the University of Guelph's Alumni Stadium. Burke Jr. recorded seven defensive and one special teams tackle, tying him for the team's best on the night. 

"Tonight was a great game," he said. "Everyone was flying to the ball, trying to make plays, showcase their abilities, and having fun at the same time." 

Entering his third season, Burke Jr. is focused on elevating his game.

"I always strive for more. Whatever may be a weakness, I try to work on it. And if something was good, I want it to be great, and if it's great, I want it to be astonishing." 

"I want to be the best player I can be, the best teammate, the best leader. I work on every aspect of my game so I can be a well-rounded player." 

Even though he is not wearing the purple and gold anymore, Burke Jr. has not forgotten his roots.  

"I love representing Laurier football. It's the place that gave me the opportunity to play football and showcase my ability." 
 

The bonds are still so close that he followed the Laurier squad and their progress through the 2024 Yates Cup and Vanier Cup run.  

"I follow the team throughout everything. Before the games, I always message the guys that I played with and the young guys that didn't have the chance to play when I was there. Now they're shining. I always tell them to keep going, that the sky's the limit, don't settle for less."   

Burke Jr. does not have to go far to find a fellow Golden Hawk now; he just has to look at his defensive line.  

In the 2024 CFL draft, the Ti-Cats took defensive lineman Luke Brubacher 16th overall, and shared two seasons together with the Golden Hawks. Unfortunately, Brubacher will start the season on the six-game injured list. 

As a veteran in the league, Burke Jr. has taken Brubacher under his wing. 

"I told Luke that it is kind of a big jump at first, but you have to remember that you're here for a reason. They drafted you. They liked what they saw. So, bring that swagger, bring that style, bring that confidence here, and show them why Laurier Golden Hawks are the best players." 

He has stayed connected with the 10 other Golden Hawks alumni around the league, saying they even train in the offseason together - but they provide more than just friendly competition. 

"Sometimes when I'm feeling down, or I just want to look for guidance, I always talk to my former alumni and ask them what they were like when they were in my shoes, how they went about it." 

"There's so many of us in the league, and they've been through it all, and they're all thriving." 

What many others have done for him, Burke Jr. is passing it along, offering his support to CFL aspiring Golden Hawks.  

"I try to do the same thing for the younger ones coming up. Although I wasn't at Laurier (with them), they might have known of me. I want to be able to help them with any knowledge that I have." 

Burke Jr. and the Ti-Cats head out west to kick-off the season on June 7 in a Saturday night showdown against the Calgary Stampeders. 
 

GOLDEN HAWKS IN THE CFL 

#44 – Isaiah Guzylak-Messam (LB), B. C. Lions 

#19 – Kurleigh Gittens Jr. (WR), Edmonton Elks 

#40 – Robbie Smith (DL), Edmonton Elks 

#66 – Bryce Bell (OL), Calgary Stampeders 

#27 – Godfrey Onyeka (DB), Calgary Stampeders 

#59 – Braydon Noll (OL), Saskatchewan Roughriders 

#47 – Tanner Gaskill-Cadwallader (LB), Winnipeg Blue Bombers 

#29 – Patrick Burke Jr. (DB), Hamilton Tiger-Cats 

#98 – Luke Brubacher (DL), Hamilton Tiger-Cats 

#32 – Jayden Griffiths (LB), Ottawa Redblacks 

#82 – Ethan Jordan (WR), Ottawa Redblacks