Instead of attending training camp this summer, Nate Ebner is going to be chasing an Olympic medal to complement his Super Bowl ring.
The Patriots safety is taking a leave from the team to tryout for the USA rugby team. The tournament runs through Aug. 11, meaning he'd be back in Foxboro in time for exhibition games.
Ebner was a standout rugby player growing up, and was the MVP of Rugby World Tournament for the American U20 team in 2008. Ebner never played football until walking on at Ohio State.
"Rugby has always been a part of my life, since I was six years old and I picked up a ball and started playing and watching my dad play," he said.