“He Wants to Be Free”- NFL Legend Pushed Michael Phelps to the Biggest Decision of His Career

Michael Phelps has experienced a truly unique career, reaching a level of achievement few can boast. It becomes that much harder for him to turn to someone who can empathize with his struggles for advice. But Phelps found that support in NFL legend Ray Lewis.

With both the top athletes coming from Maryland and having experienced similar struggles in life, Lewis became something of a life mentor for Phelps. Considered one of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, Lewis knows what it’s like to be in Phelps’ shows.

Ray Lewis advised Michael Phelps during tough decisions

When Phelps came out of retirement in 2014 to have another go at the Olympics, he surpassed expectations. He pulled off yet another career-defining feat in Rio, bringing back 5 Olympic titles and a silver medal. Then, he left his competitive career, this time for good.

“When you get ready to retire,” Ray Lewis said, “everybody says, ‘Are you gonna miss it?’ So I’ve talked to Michael about that a lot. Told him, ‘Enjoy this frickin’ ride! It’s not sad! It’s the most wonderful thing ever!”

Of course, the public was not ready to say goodbye to Baltimore Buller just yet. After his last race, Phelps texted Lewis. Already, people were urging him not to retire. But Lewis wouldn’t hear it. “He’s ready for life,” he said. “Michael is a simple guy with crazy drive. And as a man, now he wants to be free.” 

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At the time, Phelps had a three-month-old son, baby Boomer, with his then-fiancee Nicole Johnson. Even training for the Olympics in those three months took a toll on Phelps, who could not bear to stay away from his newborn. It was time for him to focus on his family.

Phelps’ strong bond with the NFL legend

Michael Phelps always took Lewis’ advice to heart. The two formed an unlikely friendship in 2012 and Phelps considers the NFL veteran his family. He stated, “Ray has become a brother from another mother for me.”

Of course, Phelps also narrated his perspective of their conversation the day he swam his last race. “I was talking to Ray Lewis earlier today. I know he’s watching. And we just had a great talk,” a teary-eyed Phelps said. “It’s not the end of a career, it’s the beginning of a new journey. And I’m just looking forward to that.”

Now, Phelps has three sons with his wife, aged 6, 4, and 2 years old. The Phelps family lives in Paradise Valley, Arizona. And they were all present to support the legend when he was inducted into the US Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame.

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