It’s not every day when an NFL star and Michael Phelps team up, but that is exactly what happened this week. The 23-time Olympic Gold Medalist took time to teach one NFL star some pointers in the water.
Fans absolutely loved it.
Watch: NFL Star Learns How To Swim From Michael Phelps
Aug 11, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Michael Phelps (USA) races Ryan Lochte (USA) during the men's 200m individual medley final in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Olympic Aquatics Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports NFL
Aug 11, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Michael Phelps (USA) races Ryan Lochte (USA) during the men’s 200m individual medley final in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Olympic Aquatics Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
There is no doubt that Michael Phelps keeps his word. The Baltimore Ravens successfully employed the 23-time Olympic gold medalist to give out some swimming lessons. Travis Jones, Ravens’ defensive tight end, was the recipient:
Phelps guided Jones, who was using a pool noodle, through standard flutter kicks sometime around the Ravens’ practice on Tuesday. The unexpected swimming lessons happened almost two weeks after star cornerback Marlon Humphrey pleaded for Phelps‘ help in an amusing social media video.
Michael Phelps teaching Travis Jones how to swim with the help of a pool noodle = 🥇content pic.twitter.com/SIfjAbm0wH
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) August 12, 2025
Phelps and legendary Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis also offered motivational speeches during practice.
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones (98) on field against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images NFL
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones (98) on field against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images NFL
“I knew no one was doing what I was doing day in and day out,” Phelps said. “Getting up at 6 o’clock and getting in the pool, all the recovery, eating and stretching — all the small things. Stack those small things on top of each other… Those small things are why I won a race by a 100th of a second, five 100ths of a second. Faster than you can snap your fingers. It’s what you do behind closed doors, that no one sees, that lets you stand out on this field every single week during the season and be great.”
Lewis jokingly wondered how he could follow up Phelps’ speech before sharing his wisdom with the team.
“One day, you’ll go back and ask, ‘What did I do with time? Did I waste it, use it or abuse it?’ I don’t care what you have; it’s how you use it… This is where we’re missing life or are disconnected, because everything else can pull you away from what you’re supposed to be doing, your purpose. Talent is the easiest thing you will ever be given. It’s what you do with it that decides your purposes.”
Phelps and the Ravens’ relationship dates back nearly two decades. The team hosted a watch party at MT&T Bank Stadium during his quest for a record-breaking eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics. In 2019, he ran onto the field from the players’ tunnel and was greeted by Ray Lewis ahead of a game.
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Harden with Olympic star Michael Phelps (Michigan Athletics)
Dec 21, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws on the run as Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones (98) defends during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws on the run as Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones (98) defends during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
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