Washington (AFP) - New England Patriots defensive back Nate Ebner was named Monday to the US rugby sevens team for the Rio Olympics, making him the only National Football League (NFL) player with a chance to capture gold in Brazil.
Ebner, who also worked on special teams to help the Patriots capture last year's Super Bowl crown, was given permission by the team last March to chase his Olympic dream, an opportunity he called "humbling" and "amazing."
Ebner will miss about two weeks of pre-season workouts for New England coach Bill Belichick while with the American squad.