Owing to Injury, Three-time Super Bowl-winning NFL Veteran Withdraws Bid To Land Spot on US Olympic Rugby Team

The 2021 Tokyo Olympics are less than a month away. While the US is once again expected to dominate across multiple sporting events, one Olympic sport the nation will look to leave its mark on are the Men’s Rugby Sevens.

Finishing ninth last year, the US Eagles will be looking to improve their standing from the last instalment of the Olympic games and hopefully rank among the medals berth in 2021.

But one key member of their side from the 2016 games won’t be a part of the squad this time around. Three-time Super Bowl champion Nate Ebner was part of the US Rugby Sevens side back in the Rio Olympics. But sadly an injury has put an end to his ambition of representing the nation at 2021 Tokyo Games.

Nate Ebner gutted to miss out of Tokyo Olympic Games

The veteran defensive end spent the 2020 NFL season with the New York Giants. Winning three Super Bowls during his time at New England, the current free agent took to Twitter to announce his decision to withdraw from the upcoming Olympic games.

“It pains me to announce my withdrawal from competing for a spot at the Tokyo Olympics with the USA Men’s Sevens,” Ebner tweeted. “After the 2020 NFL season, I had an injury that required off-season surgery. While my recovery is on track for the next football season, unfortunately the time tables did not align with trials for the Games.

“Thank you to USA Rugby for welcoming me back into the squad like family. And thank you to the players working so hard to make the Olympic team and help the United States bring home a medal. I’d also like to thank the New York Giants for their support as I chase another dream. I look forward to the 2021 NFL season and will continue to work hard every day to be ready.

“Finally, thank you to all those who supported my journey thus far. Your encouragement has been amazing and motivates me to keep pushing forward,” he added.

READ MORE – BREAKING: 11 Teenagers to Compete at Tokyo Olympics 2021 as Part of the US Olympic Swimming Team

The 32-year-old, mainly deployed as a special teamer will now focus his attention on returning to the NFL. While a free agent, Ebner is expected to return with the Giants in 2021 as per Head Coach Joe Judge’s comments back in May.

“Technically, Nate is a free agent right now. But we fully intend for him to be a member of the Giants. He has to go through Olympic rugby training, and we’re supporting him with that,” Judge said back then.

Unfortunately, for Ebner, his dreams of winning an Olympic medal for the United States may now never be realized.