As the Baltimore Ravens prepare for the 2025 NFL season, the organization has made headlines with an unusual but symbolic gesture.
In a recent social media post, several players extended a public invitation to Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps, requesting his assistance in teaching them how to swim.
The video, released through the team’s official Instagram account, features cornerback Marlon Humphrey and a group of teammates who have labeled themselves the “Ravens Aquatics Team.”
The players are seen in an aquatic facility, where they reveal that approximately one-third of the current roster lacks basic swimming skills.
Humphrey ends the video with a direct message to Phelps, asking him to visit training camp and provide swimming lessons.
The invitation is directed at Phelps not only due to his athletic achievements but also his strong ties to the city of Baltimore.
Michael Phelps, a native of Baltimore and the most decorated Olympian of all time, has maintained a consistent presence in the city’s sports community.
His affiliation with local teams, including the Ravens, has continued post-retirement. Notably, in 2024, he and his son Boomer delivered the game ball at a Ravens game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Truist Park, further solidifying his public support for the team.
Phelps’ profile has brought additional eyes on the Ravens
While the invitation to Phelps has drawn public attention, the Ravens‘ primary focus remains on the upcoming season. The team concluded the 2024 campaign with a 12-5 record and led the NFL in rushing yards.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson had a standout year, widely considered to be among the best of his career.
Despite these achievements, the season ended in disappointment as the team was eliminated from the playoffs by the Buffalo Bills.
Under head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens have consistently fielded playoff-caliber rosters but have fallen short of advancing to the Super Bowl.
The 2024 season marked yet another year in which high regular-season performance did not translate into postseason success. This ongoing trend remains a significant narrative heading into the new season.
Looking ahead, expectations for the Ravens remain elevated. Early betting odds place the team among the leading contenders to win Super Bowl LIX, with several sportsbooks listing their odds as favorable as +600.
The roster retains much of its core talent, and offseason preparation is centered around maintaining competitive consistency while addressing past playoff shortcomings.
The request for Phelps to visit training camp serves both as a moment of levity and a reflection of the team’s efforts to foster camaraderie.
While primarily symbolic, the gesture underscores the team’s connection to the Baltimore community and its broader commitment to unity during the rigorous demands of preseason training.
Whether or not Phelps accepts the invitation, the Ravens remain focused on building toward a season that meets the expectations set by their talent and previous success.
As preparations intensify, all attention will soon return to on-field performance and the pursuit of a long-awaited championship.
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