Michael Phelps joined the Ravens for an unusual training day, teaching water-technique and breath control to a batch of Ravens players in a pool session that mixed drills with friendly competition. The aim was confidence, balance and movement in water, translating to better footwork, body control and resilience on the field.

Marlon Humphrey, Ronnie Stanley, Kyle Hamilton and Charlie Kolar led in the pool; Travis Jones and Roquan Smith joined on the deep end for technique and leadership, with Phelps stressing vulnerability and learning in uncomfortable moments. A 25-meter race capped the session, highlighting the league's and foundation's emphasis on competitive mindset and cross-sport mentorship.

Fantasy folks should note: this signals Ravens' culture of development and adaptability. If breath control and balance translate to sharper cuts and better leverage in pass coverage or run fits, some role players could see subtle upticks as training translates to game-day execution.

Michael Phelps visited the Ravens’ training camp to share lessons from the pool that translate to football, emphasizing small, repeatable details and unwavering focus. His presence blurred the line between Olympic greatness and NFL grind, offering a refreshing cross-sport moment for Baltimore.

Travis Jones learned to kick more efficiently with a pool noodle and benefited from tips on keeping shoulders tight and strokes compact. Phelps’ critique was practical and actionable, aimed at translating water-work to on-field leverage and balance in contact drills.

Kyle Hamilton and Ronnie Stanley even raced Phelps with a six-second head start, turning competition into coaching, and pulling out specific pointers after every lap. The session blended competition with technique, giving Ravens a tangible blueprint for body control and breath management.

Beyond the pool, Phelps stood in the final huddle with his son Beckett and Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, while coach John Harbaugh sought guidance on daily preparation and closing the gap with opponents through tiny improvements. The Ravens capped the day with a $100,000 donation to Phelps’ foundation, linking water safety advocacy with the team’s community ethos.

Overall, the visit felt like a fresh exhilaration for Baltimore—an Olympic legend swapping lessons at Loyola’s pool for lessons about discipline, resilience, and transferable habits that could sharpen players’ performance this season.

Michael Phelps answered a humorous call from Baltimore Ravens teammates to visit their training camp, joining Marlon Humphrey, Ronnie Stanley, Kyle Hamilton and Charlie Kolar at Loyola University’s Mangione Aquatic Center. The Ravens joked that one in three players can’t swim, turning the moment into a hands-on water-safety session as Phelps encouraged baby steps—blowing bubbles and gradually jumping in—to build trust in the water and in themselves.

Phelps’ ties to the Ravens run deep: a longtime fan and ally in water safety via the Michael Phelps Foundation, friendships with Ray Lewis, and Olympic race broadcasts at M&T Bank Stadium during preseason. His message—tiny daily habits stacking to big results—echoes his competitive drive and serves as a bridge between elite athletics and community safety.

Separately, Phelps spoke to the University of Alabama football team, underscoring how cross-sport mentorship can fuel performance culture. Across both stops, the takeaway is clear: greatness hides in disciplined, incremental progress, whatever arena you compete in. The Ravens left the session energized to push safety, focus and fundamentals in and out of the pool.

The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for a critical 2024 season, seeking redemption after recent playoff disappointments. With a robust roster led by star quarterback Lamar Jackson, expectations are high.

Key to their success will be the performance of left tackle Ronnie Stanley, identified as a pivotal X-factor. After a healthy 2023 season, Stanley's ability to protect Jackson and anchor the offensive line will be crucial for the Ravens as they strive to clinch the Lombardi Trophy. Despite previous setbacks, the team’s commitment to improvement and strategic positioning suggests a promising path forward.