NFL player Nate Ebner driven by father’s memory to make US sevens side for the Olympics
New England Patriots defensive back is playing in the HKFC Tens to sharpen his skills for sevens
Nate Ebner has a quiet confidence about him that gives the impression he’s not a big fan of being told he can’t do something.
It’s not surprising for a guy who has played two sports at the elite level and has a Super Bowl ring to show for his troubles.
While life hasn’t always been kind to the 27-year-old – he lost his father in 2008 – on the sporting field Ebner is used to getting his own way.
The sport kind of adopted me. I knew at some point I would come back, it was just a matter of if I would be playing in the old boys league or what it would be
The steely resolve that has seen him craft a successful NFL career as a defensive back with the New England Patriots is now driving Ebner in his latest quest - earning a spot in the United States’ sevens squad for the upcoming Olympics.
“Yeh, of course, or I wouldn’t be here,” Ebner said when quizzed about whether he truly believes he can make the Olympic squad.
The here was this week’s GFI HKFC Tens, where Ebner kick started his comeback with a promising performance for Tens regular Samurai.
“It’s really good competition, really good players out here and it’s exciting to watch, let alone play in,” Ebner said.
