Nate Ebner is putting football on hold to pursue another passion.
The Patriots safety is taking a leave of absence from the team beginning Tuesday to start training with the U.S. Olympic rugby team as they prepare for the Rio Summer Olympics in August.
MORE: Portraits of Team USA athletes | LeBron James undecided on Rio Olympics
"First and foremost, I want to thank the Patriots from top to bottom for giving me the opportunity to come back and play for a truly first-class organization," Ebner said, via ESPN.com. "I also want to thank them and USA Rugby for giving me the opportunity to chase a dream I've had since I was a boy in a sport in which I've always had a passion. I can't put into words how much this opportunity means to not only me, but my friends and family as well.
"I plan to represent the Patriots and our country to the best of my ability. Thanks again and Go Pats and go USA."
The news came the same day the Patriots re-signed Ebner, who was an unrestricted free agent, to an undisclosed deal. He has appeared in 47 games over the last four seasons with New England, ranking third on the team with 11 special teams tackles in 2015.
Before making the transition to football as a walk-on at Ohio State during his junior year, Ebner played for the U.S. national rugby sevens team when he was 17 and continued to play internationally during his first two years of college.
The Olympic rugby competition is scheduled to take place Aug. 6-11.