Patriots' Nate Ebner Qualifies for Team USA Rugby at Rio 2016 Olympics

New England Patriots safety Nate Ebner has been selected to represent Team USA in rugby at the 2016 Rio Olympics, according to USARugby.org.

Ebner is the only current NFL player to qualify for this year's Olympics, though former Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best will also compete in the Games for St. Lucia in the 100-meter sprint.

Ebner has been taking time away from the Patriots this spring and summer to qualify for Rio, with rugby returning to the Summer Olympics this year.

"Even though he will be away from our team during an important period of our offseason, he will still be getting excellent physical training, and I expect him to be ready for the football season like he always is," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said in a statement, per David Wharton of the Los Angeles Times.

Ebner, 27, has a long history in rugby, playing since he was a child and qualifying for both the U19 and U20 squads for the United States. He was also an All-American on Ohio State's club squad and has continued to train with a team in Ohio while maintaining contact with Team USA officials.

"Rugby was always on my mind," Ebner told Wharton.

He'll be joining Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Garrett Bender, Andrew Durutalo, captain Madison Hughes, Carlin Isles, Folau Niua, Ben Pinkelman, Zack Test, Maka Unufe and Chris Wyles on the 12-man roster.

Some may remember Isles, who ran a 4.22 40-yard dash and earned a tryout with the Lions in 2014.

Head coach Mike Friday spoke about the makeup of the team, per USARugby.org:

"

The squad itself represents the country on so many levels and is cosmopolitan in makeup, which is a true reflection of the country. The team is balanced in terms of physicality, power, X-factor and out-and-out pace. We possess great aerial presence and kickers who are able to exploit these skills. As along with the contact area, we see this as a huge area in the game.

The squad has some big temperament players within it, and is underpinned by a strong work ethic and relentless approach to stay in any arm wrestle. This is the grit we need to exhibit along with our athletic ability.

"

Patriots fans will be keeping a close eye on Ebner as he makes his Olympic debut.

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