Patriots grant Nate Ebner leave of absence to train for Olympic rugby team

The New England Patriots have granted safety Nate Ebner, who just re-signed with the team Tuesday, a leave of absence this offseason to allow him to start his Olympic training for the U.S. rugby team.

Ebner will be away from the team from Tuesday and is scheduled to return after the Olympic rugby competition concludes on Aug. 11, assuming he makes the team.

The 27-year-old didn't start his football career until his junior year at Ohio State because he'd been playing international rugby for the U.S national rugby sevens team for the first two years before switching to football.

"First and foremost, I want to thank the Patriots from top to bottom for giving me the opportunity to come back and play for a truly first-class organization," Ebner said, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"I also want to thank them and USA Rugby for giving me the opportunity to chase a dream I've had since I was a boy in a sport in which I've always had a passion," Ebner said. "I can't put into words how much this opportunity means to not only me, but my friends and family as well.

"I plan to represent the Patriots and our country to the best of my ability. Thanks again and Go Pats and go USA."

The Patriots tweeted their support for Ebner's Olympic bid Tuesday: