“Paid Up”: Ex-NFL Star Exposes $50,000 Bet Loss to Swimming Legend Michael Phelps

Braylon Edwards is a legendary name in NFL history. As a Pro Bowler, the former wide receiver’s career was nothing short of stellar, particularly during his time with the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets. However, off the gridiron, Edwards made significant connections in the multifaceted sports world, and legendary swimmer Michael Phelps is one of his closest friends. Notably, the two have been tight since their senior years at the University of Michigan. However, did you know there was a time when the legendary wide receiver lost a massive bet to his swimmer friend?

In the June 14th episode of the Second Act Podcast, Braylon Edwards shared an interesting story about losing a $50,000 bet to Michael Phelps back in 2008. At the time, Edwards was playing for the Browns while Phelps was making waves with his eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics. Meanwhile, Edwards was preparing for the 2008 season and had to switch his training to the pool to improve his mobility with the help of Phelps. During this time, the two friends made a friendly wager— for every medal Phelps won, Edwards had to score two touchdowns, and if Edwards lost the bet, he would have to pay up.

Following the bet, the night after Phelps won his seventh gold medal, Edwards, greatly elated by his friend’s success, sent him an exciting congratulatory message. However, later, near midnight, Phelps called Edwards from Beijing after winning his eighth gold medal and reminded him of their bet. “I got eight,” Phelps said, “so that means you’ve got to get 16 touchdowns this year.” Edwards replied confidently, “News flash. I did that last year. I’ll give you 17,”  publicly committed to scoring 17 touchdowns in the 2008 season.

However, Edwards and the Browns struggled throughout the year, finishing at 4–12. Despite his efforts, Edwards led the season in dropped passes with 23 and caught only three touchdown passes. As a result, he had to pay Phelps $50,000 as part of their bet. Reflecting on the experience, Edwards emphasized their friendship, saying, “I said, I bet, I double whatever you do, so we put 50k on it. Not even that me and Cleveland, we suck, but I paid up; he is my guy.” Moreover, Braylon mentioned that even though they are both retired from their respective sports, they are still on good terms and stay in touch.

Braylon Edwards and Michaеl Phеlps arе still connеctеd

Had Braylon not taken up his swimming drills, he might never have become friends with the legendary Michael Phelps. Therefore, thanks to his swimming sessions, Edwards gained a legendary friend, and in fact, is quite grateful to have Phelps in his life. “I can’t go hang out with Michael Jordan,” Edwards humorously added. “[But] he’s a great friend to have… I met him when he was 18 years old and he’s the same guy now as a father and a husband.”

Edwards’ words highlighted that some friendships just go on lasting, even if two friends belong to different worlds, and that is more important than any bet or touchdown count.