The New England Patriots continue to put an emphasis on special teams by re-signing veteran defensive back Nate Ebner to a two-year deal. Ebner will also take a leave of absence from the team to pursue a spot on the United States National Rugby Team and the upcoming Olympic games.
#Patriots re-sign DB Nate Ebner: https://t.co/OOklOpze2A
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 15, 2016
We are proud to support @Natebner34 in his effort to earn a place on the United States National Rugby team.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 15, 2016
Ebner, 27, is a former sixth round pick of the Patriots in the 2012 NFL Draft. Ebner has 47 tackles in his NFL career and is an important factor on the special teams units for Bill Belichick. The re-signing of Ebner continues a trend of the Patriots putting an emphasis on special teams. The Patriots recently signed Ramon Humber, a core special teamer to a one-year deal and have filled their bench with numerous special teamers the past few years.
Ebner has played rugby since high school and will be looking to earn a spot in the 2016 Olympic games. Rugby returns to Olympics for the first time since 1924 and will be played in a sevens format as opposed to the 15-man rugby union in 1924.
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