New England Patriots safety Nate Ebner is looking to create a unique sporting double in Rio de Janeiro next month.
The 27-year-old Super Bowl winner has been picked in America's Rugby Sevens squad for the Olympics. Ebner was part of the Patriots team that defeated the Seattle Seahawks at Super Bowl 49 last year.
Ebner had played rugby for America, before going to college, but it was his spell at Ohio State that caught the eye of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick in 2012. The Ohio native was picked in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
Head Coach @MikeFriday09 has selected the 12 men to represent @TeamUSA on the #RoadToRio . Read More: https://t.co/z6HkKzTFNU
— USA Rugby (@USARugby) July 18, 2016
Earlier this year, Ebner was given a sabbatical from the Patriots to try and force his way into USA Rugby's squad. He featured in events on the Sevens Tour, with those performances helping to book his place to Brazil.
We are proud to support @Natebner34 in his effort to earn a place on the United States National Rugby team.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 15, 2016
Ebner will be expected to return to the Patriots team after the Olympics, but may not be in a position to compete in the team during the opening weeks of the NFL season. The Patriots begin their campaign on September 11th, away to Arizona.
The United States have been drawn into Group A against Fiji, Argentina and hosts Brazil. The competition takes place between August 9th and 11th.
The team go into the event as reigning Olympic champions having won the 1924 event in Paris.
