Triumph and Tragedy: Nate Ebner's incredible tale
Patriot taking flight for Olympics
New England Patriots safety Nate Ebner will have the chance to win a gold medal after being picked to play for the USA sevens team at the Rio Olympics.
The 27-year-old will make a remarkable return to the game he began playing at the age of six until he joined the NFL in 2012 – becoming the youngest player picked for the US team at age 17.
The passion for the 15-man code and its fast-paced sevens version was a love groomed under the watchful eyes of his father Jeff.
However, Ebner's father will not be able to see his son realise his dream of playing in Brazil, brutally murdered at the family's business in 2008.
But the father's teachings may just see this tale of tragedy and triumph end with Ebner stepping up to the top of the dais.
Like father like son
Ebner began playing rugby at the age of six with his father, a former player at the University of Minnesota, guiding his young son through the first steps of the game – even taking over as coach of Ebner's high school team in Columbus, Ohio.
Code-hopper
But despite a stellar career in the 15-man code – named team MVP at the U-19 Junior World Championships in 2007 – young Ebner's mind was slowly being swayed by the NFL and announced he wanted to join the gridiron team – the Buckeyes – at Ohio State.
'Last conversation we had'
"I told (Ebner's father) I wanted to be a professional football player and play in the NFL," Ebner told ESPN. "He said, 'If you're going to do it, you have to go all the way. If you want to go to the NFL, you have to be committed'."
Brutal murder
Ebner was one month shy of his 20th birthday when his father was beaten to death during an attempted robbery at the family auto salvage shop in 2008. The pair were to play a rugby match together that weekend.
Tragedy to triumph
Admitting he was in a "rough place", Ebner dropped out of college after his father's death. But an inspiring talk from his mother, Nancy Pritchett, brought him back from the brink and he returned to school, becoming the only walk-on from 80 hopefuls to make the Ohio State team.
Waiting, waiting, waiting
Ebner's star rose at Ohio State. The 183cm, 93kg defensive back racked up 36 games and recorded 30 tackles and helped the side to victory in the Rose Bowl. However, it was on the special teams unit where he really came to life, attracting the eye of Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who made the young Ebner wait until picking him in the sixth round of the 2012 Draft.
Super Bowl champion
And the decision paid dividends with Ebner helping the Patriots to secure the Super Bowl XLIX – a stunning last four-point victory over the Seattle Seahawks in 2015 – and Ebener's first ring. And it's a trophy that may just soon be joined by a golden medallion.
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