Not His Wife and Mother, But an NFL Legend Was the “Only Person Who Could” Help Michael Phelps Make Sense of His Life Post-Retirement

The greatest swimmer of all time, Michael Phelps retired back in 2016. However, the Rio Olympics was a bonus for his fans and him as well. That is because Phelps had decided to retire after the London Olympics itself. However, he chose to compete in yet another Summer Games later and went on to win six more medals to add to his medal tally.

Eventually, he retired with 23 gold, three silver and two bronze medals. But the question is, did Phelps have a smooth and all happy life during this legendary career? Well, that was not the case. The Flying Fish went through major anxiety and mental health problems.

It was only after the 2016 Olympics that Phelps revealed the one person who constantly helped him out of the dark phases of his life.

Michael Phelps needed someone who had experienced the same

Now we all know Michael Phelps had some major mental health issues during his career. But at that time, not many knew other than his close ones.

However, it is better to have a conversation with someone who had gone through  a similar experience in his life. Phelps got the rescuer in the Baltimore Ravens’ legendary Lineback, Ray Lewis.

Ray Lewis himself endured an extremely dark phase in his life. In a 2016 interview, Phelps noted, “He’s probably the only person who could really help me do that. He’s been through everything — the ups and downs — and he’s helped me literally overcome a lot of things that I’ve had in my life that have been tough, and he’s been there for me.”

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After his final race, Phelps had said, “I was talking to Ray Lewis earlier today. I know he’s watching. And we just had a great talk.” He further added, “It’s not the end of a career, it’s the beginning of a new journey. And I’m just looking forward to that.” 

Phelps and Ray first encountered after the 2008 Olympics

The two Baltimore legends bonded way back after Phelps’ success in 2008. However, Phelps succeeded immensely in the Beijing Olympics. But he had the darkest of times post-tournament. And to the rescue came Ray, who himself had gone through some of the darkest times one can have. From his experience, Ray helped Phelps out with some conversations. 

Phelps credited his comeback in swimming after 2008 to Ray Lewis. Phelps once stated in 2013, “What he did for me is the best thing in the world. He helped me come back.” They continued their friendship since then and Phelps confessed, Ray has been with him through the darkest times in his life to support him.

Watch this story: Paige Spiranac Hailed Olympic Legend Michael Phelps for His Courageous Act in 2018

Athletes are more prone to mental health issues. This is because they go through intense mental examinations in their career. Sometimes their performance may be overwhelming and sometimes their performance may be underwhelming. Both affect their mental state.

Phelps got lucky with the amount of support and advice he received from the NFL legend that got him through hard times. Also, on a closing note, this article isn’t to suggest that the Swimming legend might not have received help from his beloved wife and caring mother, but it is to sat that one timely help came from a person who actually went through something exactly similar.