The Baltimore Ravens traded cleats for goggles this week as 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps fulfilled a viral plea from cornerback Marlon Humphrey, leading an unconventional swimming clinic at Loyola College’s Mangione Aquatic Center while reinforcing his bond with the NFL franchise.
From social media plea to poolside reality
The initiative began July 29 when Humphrey, noticing teammates struggling to enjoy the team’s new recovery pool, recruited Kyle Hamilton, Ronnie Stanley, and Charlie Kolar for a humorous social media video claiming “one-third of the team doesn’t know how to swim.” Phelps, a self-proclaimed “biggest Ravens fan on the planet,” responded with uncharacteristic enthusiasm. “I hadn’t seen him that excited in a long time,” said Cathy Bennett of the Michael Phelps Foundation. Two weeks later, the Olympian was back in Baltimore, touring the Ravens’ facilities and diving into his dual role as coach and motivator..
Over 50 players swapped jerseys for swim trunks, with Humphrey playfully coaxing reluctant teammates into the water. While some focused on fundamentals—Phelps taught 341-pound defensive tackle Travis Jones flutter kicks using a pool noodle—others embraced chaos. Center Tyler Linderbaum stole the show with a high-dive backflop that drew roaring laughter, while groups competed for the biggest splash. “It was less about form, more about fun,” Phelps later admitted.
Racing an icon—with a head start
The clinic’s competitive peak came during 25-meter sprints. Phelps gave players like Hamilton, long snapper Nick Moore, and punter Jordan Stout massive head starts, only to chase them down with trademark intensity. His son Beckett even raced a few Ravens, blending family with football. “My son raced some of the guys—it was a great day,” Phelps said.
United States’ Michael Phelps reacts after winning the silver medal in the men’s 100-meter butterfly final during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Vulnerability meets victory
For linebacker Roquan Smith, the session marked a personal milestone. “If I have to swim less than 20 yards, I could doggy paddle,” he joked. “But learning to breathe? First time. Now I feel more confident.” Tackle Ronnie Stanley, already a swimmer, refined his technique under Phelps’ guidance: “He told me to keep my shoulders tight, like swimming in an MRI machine. Surreal to get tips from the GOAT.”
The Michael Phelps Foundation partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore to include local children in the shallow-end lessons, emphasizing water safety and confidence. “Seeing guys focus on floating and breathing shows their vulnerability,” Phelps noted. “That’s where growth happens.”
Legends align: Phelps and Lewis inspire
Before hitting the pool, Phelps and Ravens legend Ray Lewis delivered speeches on overcoming fear and mastering details. Phelps shared how childhood aversion to water led him to start with backstroke: “Small steps conquer fears.” Lewis echoed the theme: “Talent is given. What you do with it defines purpose.”
A ripple effect beyond the pool
As players dried off, Phelps hoped the clinic sparked lasting change. “I truly hope they gained confidence to try new things.” For the Ravens, the event blended team bonding with a champion’s mindset—one they’ll carry into the 2024 season.