Michael Phelps shares his Olympic mindset — and swim lessons — with Baltimore Ravens

Chicago Tribune

5 days ago

The most decorated Olympian in history made a special appearance at the Under Armour Performance Center on Tuesday.
For a team chasing its own championship dreams, Michael Phelps' visit was more than a celebrity cameo. It served as an opportunity for the Ravens to absorb unique insight from a local legend who truly understands what it takes to sustain greatness over decades.
And for this particular team, his message might be more relevant than ever.
Baltimore last year produced one of the most productive seasons in NFL history … only to choke when it mattered most, with the Ravens committing an uncharacteristic three turnovers in its infamous loss to the Bills in the divisional round.
Phelps, who grew up in Rodgers Forge and trained at the Meadowbrook Aquatic Center throughout his prolific career, talked about perfecting preparation during his post-practice speech to the team.
'It was great having a legend here, he is the best swimmer of all-time,' Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. 'As an Olympic gold medalist, regardless of sport, Michael Phelps — you have to speak his name. It was neat having him talk to us because the message … that's one thing when you listen to the greats, you wonder how do they do such great things in the highest-tense moments? It all leads back to the work that nobody sees. That's what Michael Phelps talked about: preparation.
'It's great for our guys to hear that because it's one thing to hear it from somebody, a quote or book you read. But to physically see and hear that person up close, and to know all the things that person accomplished is great, man. I can't thank him enough for coming to talk to our team.'
Phelps' mindset, one that features a special type of preparation so thorough that any outside noise can't rattle you, is something that the Ravens need to take with them throughout the expected grind of a strenuous season.
Coach John Harbaugh has long believed in off-the-field activities and its effect on team chemistry and culture. Harbaugh previously has hosted barbecue dinners at his home, invited other guests to speak with his team and visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Team bonding doesn't only happen in the huddle, but it also can occur through special messages like the one the Ravens received from Phelps.
Visits like these help break the regiment of training camp. They help spark conversations that aren't about coverages or protections, but rather mindset and resilience.
It was fitting that Phelps' drop-in fell on what Harbaugh described as a 'mental practice.'
Phelps, sporting a Ravens cap and a pair of Nike 'What The Kobe' 8s, observed most of Tuesday's practice while seated from the 10-yard line with his son, Beckett. His attendance was sparked by an outcry on social media from veteran defensive back Marlon Humphrey, who playfully invited Phelps to teach players to swim in the team's new recovery pool (safety Kyle Hamilton estimates that only one-third of the team knows how to swim). After Tuesday's practice, Phelps led the Ravens in a team-bonding activity that featured swim lessons and a dive contest at nearby Loyola University.
The competitive natures came out 😂 pic.twitter.com/gzwcJkvRtG
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 12, 2025Lessons aside, Phelps' presence should provide a lasting impact across the team's locker room.
Throughout his storied career, Phelps, 40, understood that even in a sport as solitary as swimming, individual talent could only take him so far. He notably relied on his team of coaches, nutritionists and relay mates. Similarly, the Ravens are fully aware that it takes a full-team effort to push forward — or fall short — when it matters most.
For Phelps, the margin between gold and silver was often a fraction of a second. Yet he earned his status as the most decorated athlete in history by claiming 28 Olympic medals, including 23 golds, over five Summer Games thanks to his preparation, composure and mental fortitude.
His frequent presence on the podium is where the Ravens aspire to be — not drowned in repeated playoff heartbreak.
If the Ravens can carry that Phelps mindset into the 2025 season, they might finally stop letting their moment slip away.