By Ben Francis
New England Patriots defensive back Nate Ebner has been named in the USA Olympic sevens team.
Ebner grew up playing Rugby, the sport which was loved by his father.
At 17, he became the youngest player to represent the USA at rugby sevens.
When attending college at Ohio State University, he tried out for the football team and made the final squad.
He was then drafted to the NFL by the New England Patriots in 2012, and helped them win the Super Bowl three years later.
In March, the 27-year-old decided to take a leave of absence from American Football to concentrate on gaining an Olympic place with the US Rugby Sevens team.
"(Rugby) was a big part of my relationship with my dad," Ebner said.
"And growing up with it at young age, it never really leaves the back of your head. I was just lucky enough to have work it out and be able to chase the Olympic dream in the sport I grew up playing."
Ebner, who has just signed a new contract with the Patriots, will re-join the NFL side after the conclusion of the Games on 11 August.
He joined by Carlin Isles who is considered the fasted man in sevens and Chris Wyles who captained the United States team at last year's Rugby World Cup.
Fellow players Perry Baker was the second highest try scorer during the recent sevens series while Madison Hughes was the leading point scorer during the series.
Men's Sevens Roster Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Garrett Bender, Andrew Durutalo, Nate Ebner, Madison Hughes, Carlin Isles, Folau Niua, Ben Pinkelman, Zack Test, Maka Unufe, Chris Wyles
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