Former New England Patriot and New York Giant Nate Ebner is not just one of the premier special teamers in the NFL, but also among the best rugby players in the country. As such, he was trying to participate in his second Olympic Games this summer.
On Tuesday, however, he announced that an injury has now forced him to end his bid for a spot on the United States rugby team. The 32-year-old released a statement saying the timetable after a recent surgery “did not align with trials for the Games” and that he has to withdraw from competition:
A sixth-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2012, Ebner has always had close ties to the game of rugby.