Marlon Humphreyâs call for help just scored the ultimate response. Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelpsâa Baltimore native and lifelong Ravens fanâshowed up to training camp on Tuesday to give players swimming lessons, turning an NFL practice day into an unforgettable experience both in and out of the pool.
The heartwarming event came just two weeks after Humphrey posted a video on Instagram featuring several Ravens players admitting they couldnât swim and asking Phelps for help. Not only did Phelps answer the call, but the Ravens thanked him with a $100,000 donation to the Michael Phelps Foundation, which focuses on water safety education.
Michael Phelps Answers Marlon Humphreyâs Swim Lesson Request
The now-viral idea started on July 29 when cornerback Marlon Humphrey shared a lighthearted Instagram video filmed at the Ravensâ aquatics center. âHey Mr. Phelps, we have a problem,â offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley said before diving into the pool. Safety Kyle Hamilton added, âDid you know that one in three Ravens cannot swim?â
Multiple players joined in on the plea, and Phelps replied in the comments, âI got yâall!!! Letâs do it!!â True to his word, the 23-time Olympic gold medalist visited the team with his 7-year-old son Beckett, toured the new aquatics center, and even spent time on the practice field with Ravens legend Ray Lewis.
The day featured a diving contest, a swimming race, and one-on-one lessons from Phelps and members of his foundation. Players used pool noodles, kickboards, and breathing drills to build their skills and confidence in the water. âAs far as actually swimming and knowing how to breathe and things of that nature, honestly, it was my first time,â linebacker Roquan Smith admitted. âIt was really solid, some of the lessons they gave me. I feel a little more confident.â
Water Safety, Miss Cathy, and a $100K Thank-You
Phelpsâ dedication to water safety goes back years â he founded the Michael Phelps Foundation in 2008 to provide learn-to-swim programs, especially for kids. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four, and roughly 40 million adults in the U.S. donât know how to swim.
Even the worldâs greatest swimmer remembers being nervous in the pool. âWhen I first got into the water to swim, Miss Cathy was my teacher, and I didnât want to put my face under,â Phelps told The Today Show. âYes, me, Michael Phelps, afraid to put my face into the water.â
To help teach the Ravens, Phelps brought Miss Cathy along. âIâm hoping that everybody is brave enough to give it a try,â she told the players.
Phelps admitted he didnât know what to expect from the group but was impressed by their effort. âWhen I see the guys⦠focused on paying attention to those details, it shows their vulnerability, especially when theyâre uncomfortable. It was a special day,â he said. âI truly hope they learned something, hopefully got some confidence, and hopefully can transition into something else.â
To show their appreciation, the Ravens donated $100,000 to Phelpsâ foundation.
The post Michael Phelps Visits Ravens for a Heartwarming Reason — and Gets a $100K Thank-You appeared first on EntertainmentNow.