Baltimore Ravens All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith didn’t grow up with access to a swimming pool in his rural Georgia town and never learned proper swimming techniques.
But Smith, some teammates and some local children got lessons on the basics this week from a Baltimore legend and Ravens super fan, 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps.
“I’m the type of swimmer that if I have to swim less than 20 yards, I could survive somehow because I could doggy paddle,” Smith, 28, told the team website. “But as far as actually swimming and knowing how to breathe and things of that nature, honestly, it was my first time. It was really cool. It was really solid, some of the lessons they gave me. I feel a little more confident.”
Last month, cornerback Marlon Humphrey posted a video to Instagram that asked Phelps for his assistance. The Ravens added a recovery pool when they renovated their Under Armour Performance Center, and not everyone on the team can take advantage because they aren’t proficient swimmers.
In the video, Humphrey and teammates Ronnie Stanley, Kyle Hamilton and Charlie Kolar made a collective appeal to Phelps, 40. Each recited a line.
“Mr. Phelps, we have a problem. Did you know that one in three Ravens cannot swim? We have a solution for you, sir. Come to Ravens training camp and this beautiful aquatic center and teach us how to swim,” they said.
And Phelps happily jumped into the pool this week with the Ravens, working on skills such as holding their breath under water, kicking their feet and floating on their backs.
“Thank you guys for taking this step and being vulnerable,” Phelps told the Ravens’ website. “I know not all of you do know how to swim. So, I thank you so much. This whole city, you know, looks up to every single one of you. You guys getting into the water to do this could potentially save and change somebody else’s life in a positive way.”
The Michael Phelps Foundation has a mission of helping people of all ages gain confidence in the water. Eight children from the Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore also took part in the lessons.
The Ravens made a $100,000 donation to the foundation
“It’s awesome what his foundation focuses on — saving lives, mental health, and things of that nature. It’s major,” Smith said. “Hats off to him, and I’m just grateful I was able to be in there and take something from his team. Obviously, he’s a living legend.”
–Field Level Media
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