Three-time Super Bowl champion and former New England Patriot Nate Ebner joined Toucher & Rich on Friday’s program to discuss being an owner of the Free Jacks rugby team.

Also, Ebner answered questions about the recent NFLPA survey detailing less-than-ideal facility conditions at Gillette Stadium.

Parts of conversation abbreviated for clarity.

• 

  ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Nate Ebner #43 of the New England Patriots holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

• Rich: There was a survey that came out with the players, Nate, and it was somewhat shocking for us who are on the outside looking in. We know the Krafts to be great owners and stuff is top-notch with them. 

  This player survey had guys grade the facilities for each team, and the Patriots were near the bottom. Together they were ranked 24th out of 32 NFL teams. Like, the treatment of families that got a C minus. The weight room was a big complaint. Players said that it was outdated. And team travel received a D grade. Players said that the plane was cramped. 

• 

  Jan 27, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; New England Patriots team plane arrives at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport for Super Bowl LIII. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports

• Rich: What do you think about that? It’s not just the people who cover the team saying this, but it’s the players themselves. When you were there, did you notice that things weren’t up to standard compared to other NFL teams? 

  Nate Ebner: It’s funny we’ve come to a time where we’re taking surveys on how everybody feels about team facilities. A weight is a weight, man. You lift weights, and you work hard. That’s what it’s all about. I think [the survey] is crazy, to be quite honest with you. 

  I was in New England for eight years, longer than most, and I can’t think of one complaint. I also spent a couple of years in New York, but I’m not one to talk badly about anything.
  

  My time in New England was great. They had everything I needed from a physical standpoint to improve myself, strength, and speed. Great coaching. 

• 

  FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 30: Nate Ebner of the New England Patriots warms up before a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

• Nate Ebner: I didn’t see anything on that survey asking about the people and the coaches. 

  Rich: Well, actually, the survey did mention personnel, and the reviews were positive. The staff got good grades out. 

  Nate Ebner: Good, because in New England, the people in the building matter the most. As far as the material stuff goes, as I said originally, a weight is a weight. I had everything I needed. 

  All the Super Bowls we won speak for the fact that we had what we needed to get the job done. I loved it there. The people treat you well. I can’t say enough about Mr. Kraft, Bill Belichick, and just the whole organization.

• 🐎//🗓 Your 2023 Season Schedule is here!
  
  Another year, another slate of exhilarating matches and Free Jacks Festivals here at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
  
  Visit https://t.co/bvRIXvv6hb to buy your season memberships now!#FillTheFort #MLR2023 pic.twitter.com/JFGHgyjGYv

  — New England Free Jacks (@NEFreeJacks) November 15, 2022

• Nate Ebner: Hopefully, and not to transition here, that’s what we’re trying to build with the Free Jacks. 

• Full Segment

• Ryan Beaton is a producer for 985thesportshub.com. You can follow Ryan at @ry_beaton on Twitter.

  Follow @Toucherandrich on Twitter, @Toucherandrichofficial and @fredtoucher on Instagram to keep up with the show!

Get The 98.5 The Sports Hub Newsletter Delivered To Your Inbox

Stay up to date with the latest Boston sports news and analysis, local events, exclusive contests, and more.

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.