The United States rugby sevens coach Al Caravelli has named two American footballers in his squad for the first time, ahead of the Las Vegas leg of the IRB series beginning this weekend.
The Eagles are rebuilding in the hope of at least emulating their impressive Cup semi-final appearance at last year's USA Sevens in San Diego.
Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Bennie Brazell, who also finished fourth in the 2004 Olympic 400 metres hurdles final, joins fellow NFL convert Leonard Peters in the Eagles' 12-man line-up.
The tournament is the fourth event in the IRB World Series, which New Zealand currently lead by just four points after Fiji won in Wellington.