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Another NFL Player Gets His Shot At Olympic Stardom

By Erik Lambert

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks to defensive back Nate Ebner (43) during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks to defensive back Nate Ebner (43) during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s no surprise that the NFL, a league that features some of the best athletes in the world, has been well-represented on the Olympic games in the past.

Already news has come out that former Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best will compete as a sprinter for St. Lucia. It’s a triumphant story for him after seeing his football career tragically ended by concussion problems. However, he’s not going to be the only pro football player there. New England Patriots safety Nate Ebner learned that he qualified to play for the United State Men’s Sevens Rugby team in Rio.

"“The USA Rugby Men’s Sevens team announced Monday that safety Nate Ebner was one of 12 athletes to make the Olympic squad.Ebner becomes the only active NFL player to make a U.S. Olympic squad.With Bill Belichick’s blessing, Ebner took a leave of absence from the team in March — after the special teams stud signed a new contract. He will rejoin the Pats at training camp after the Olympic rugby competition, which runs Aug. 6-11.”"

At age 27, Ebner will stand among the older Olympic athletes but that isn’t likely to deter him. Ohio State has a solid rugby program so it’s not a surprise he was able to make the team. For all the flak he catches for his dealings with the media and opponents, Bill Belichick is a coach who has never feared giving his players an opportunity to take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime chances. There is no doubt this may be Ebner’s best and only shot to be an Olympian.

Barring injury he’ll return long before the team is set to go into the regular season. Ebner ranked 13th in the NFL last year in total snaps on special teams with 369. He finished tied for 10th with 14 total tackles.

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