Nate Ebner steps away from NFL to give Olympic rugby a try

Nate Ebner is training for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He is trying to earn a spot on the 12-man roster. Eber is an NFL veteran who plays rugby for New England Patriots. His father played rugby and coached his son at high school and college. Nate Ebber was named the most valuable player at the 2007 and 2008 Junior World Championships. He played junior level rugby at U-19 and U.20 level and All-American rugby with Ohio State.

Nate Ebner is taking up rugby in order to play at the Olympics. He has just signed a two-year contract extension with the New England Patriots. The team's coach Bill Belichick expects him to be ready for the football season as he always is. Eber made his first start at a World Rugby Sevens Series tournament in Singapore and scored twice. USA Rugby is expected to name an Olympic roster later this month. It is initially suggested Ebener's chances were slim but later revising the odds to 50-50.