Nate Ebner, Patriots Safety, Selected to Team USA Rugby for Hong Kong Sevens

New England Patriots defensive back Nate Ebner has been selected to play for Team USA in the Hong Kong Sevens as he attempts to earn a place on the Olympic team for the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.

USA Sevens Rugby announced Thursday that Ebner made the squad for the Hong Kong tournament. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported in March the safety was taking a leave of absence from the Patriots to chase his Olympic dream. 

Ebner was selected by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2012 draft. He's proceeded to appear in 57 games across the past four seasons, mostly serving as a special teams ace, while also providing depth in the secondary.

New England re-signed the 27-year-old Ohio State product with a two-year contract extension before he left to renew his rugby efforts.

Ebner enjoyed a standout rugby career at the junior level before shifting his focus to football with the Buckeyes in order to earn a shot in the NFL. His past success on the pitch always stuck with him, however, and now, he's getting a chance to live the best of both worlds.

The Ohio native, who was a part of the Patriots' Super Bowl XLIX team, told Arash Markazi of ESPN.com that trying to make the Olympic team is a challenge he's taking on in memory of his father. His dad was beaten to death during a robbery attempt in 2008, and he recalled their final discussion:

"

He said, 'I don't want to see you throw away all the years and potential you have as a professional rugby player just so you can play football at Ohio State.' I told him I wanted to be a professional football player and play in the NFL. He came to terms that if the main goal was to go to the NFL and be elite, then Ohio State was a great platform for that. ... He said, 'If you're going to do it, you have to go all the way. If you want to go to the NFL, you have to be committed.'

That was the last conversation we had.

"

Getting selected to the roster for the Hong Kong Sevens, which is one of the top World Rugby Sevens Series events and is described as "rugby's biggest party," is major progress. A strong showing there would likely give him an inside track on a spot for the Rio Games.

If Ebner does make the Olympic roster, it will overlap with the Patriots' preseason preparations. The tournament is scheduled to take place Aug. 6-11 in Brazil. Last year, New England played its first exhibition game on Aug. 13.

That said, from a physical standpoint, there wouldn't be any questions about him returning to the team in terrific shape if that's the case. He's now one step closer to making that dream reality.