Nate Ebner has re-signed with the New England Patriots, but as part of that deal, he will be taking a break from the NFL team to try to make the USA Olympic rugby team.

Ebner played rugby at St. Edward HS in Ohio and was a USA U19 standout alongside such well-known Eagles as Scott LaValla, Cam Dolan, and Thretton Palamo. He went on to play rugby at Ohio State, and then decided to walk on to the football team in order to get a scholarship to help pay for school.

He impressed OSU football with his work ethic and defense, and was awarded a scholarship. He was allowed to play rugby at times while a Buckeye, and played in the CRC 7s for Ohio State. Ebner was picked in the 6th round by the Patriots in the 2012 NFL Draft, and has played special teams and, occasionally, defensive back for the team, helping them win a Super Bowl in 2015. He was singled out for praise by Head Coach Bill Belichick for his work ethic and ability to learn the game.

But Ebner has never been far from rugby, and attended various rugby events when he could. Asked by Goff Rugby Report in 2015 at the USA 7s whether he missed the game he said “always.”

So now to this year, where the 27-year-old unrestricted free agent has re-signed with the Patriots. But according to multiple sources, the deal allows him to spend the summer at the US Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. with the USA 7s team. The 6-0, 200-kb defensive back will have some very different fitness training to deal with, but no one doubts his desire.

Ebner made a statement to ESPN, thanking the Patriots for allowing him to return to rugby temporarily, and also thanks USA Rugby for giving him the opportunity to play the sport he has played since he was very young, and a sport he continues to love.

Update: The announcement has been active on social media. USA Rugby CEO Nigel Melville tweeted simply "Welcome Back." And the Patriots tweeted a statement: "We are proud to support @Natebner34 in his effort to earn a place on the United States National Rugby team."