Nate's Choice

We don't hear too many stories about NFL players trying to make the US Olympic team, but Pats safety Nate Ebner is trying to do it for rugby. The team has publicly supported him, but they probably have no choice. It would look bad if they kept him from trying to make the men's team.

Ebner has played rugby his entire life and was a star at Ohio State. He was a reserve on the football team. Former Pats LB Mike Vrabel, who was coaching with the Buckeyes at the time, tipped off Coach Belichick about Ebner's special teams play.

The Pats selected him in the 6th round of the 2012 draft. He blossomed into a key special teams player. He also played a little bit of safety on defense.

It was his lifelong dream to play in the Olympics. He will miss the mini-camps and part of training camp. He recently signed a new contract with the team. I hope it works out for him. He is taking a chance of being injured or falling in the depth chart.