Michael Phelps stayed true to his word about helping the Baltimore Ravens learn how to swim.
Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, spoke to players following practice on Tuesday before hopping a bus to Loyola Collegeâs aquatic center.
Next stop: the pool.
Why Did Michael Phelps Give the Ravens Swim Lessons?
Phelps, 40, was fulfilling a promise he made after cornerback Marlon Humphrey posted a video on social media asking him for lessons. The video included offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, tight end Charlie Kolar and safety Kyle Hamilton, who noted that one in three Ravens cannot swim.
âCome to Ravens training camp in this beautiful aquatics center and teach us how to swim,â Humphrey said.
Phelps, a Baltimore native and longtime Ravens fan, expressed his willingness to help.
And so, two weeks later, the 23-time gold medalist stopped by practice and rubbed elbows with Ravens legend Ray Lewis before delivering a motivational message to the team.
In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the team, Phelps is seen telling players, “It’s what you do behind closed doors that no one sees that gives you the opportunity to stand out on this field every single week during the season and be great.â
What Did Michael Phelps Teach the Ravens?
Phelps â with help from his childhood swim instructor, Cathy Bennett â offered players a variety of tips in the pool, starting with the basics.
“I didn’t know what I was getting into,” Phelps said, via the teamâs website. I had no idea what their comfort level was. When I see the guys in there and some of the guys who are literally working on floating and breathing, and they’re focused on paying attention to those details, it shows their vulnerability, especially when they’re uncomfortable.”
One group of players opted for a competition on the diving boards, while another tried racing Phelps. But most of all, the day was about education.
In one particular video posted on X, Phelps is shown teaching defensive tackle Travis Jones how to kick in the water with the assistance of a pool noodle.
“This was an amazing day,” Stanley said. “I think that’s the greatest athlete of all time. To be able to share the water with him and actually swim laps against him and get coaching points after swimming against him, it was very surreal. I don’t know that I’ve ever felt that way, to be honest.”
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