“What Are You Doing With Your Life”: NFL Legends Harsh Reality Check Saved Michael Phelps From Taking a Life Endangering Step

Published 09/12/2022, 10:00 AM EDT

The journey of Michael Phelps after the 2012 London Olympics had its fair share of controversies. He became one of the finest swimmers of his generation but suffered post-Olympic depression after each event. In 2012, though, he retired from swimming. However, in 2014, he was in the news for all the wrong reasons. One of them is getting arrested for DUI. He explained how he was in a “really dark place” and “not wanting to be alive anymore.”

Therefore, timely intervention from NFL icon Ray Lewis helped him to climb the stairs to redemption. Before he went to rehab to treat his alcohol issues, Lewis gave him a harsh reality check that probably saved his life. Since then, their relationship with each other developed into something special.

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NFL superstar helped Michael Phelps

Ray Lewis took up the mantle of helping Phelps to accept reality. After suffering from issues, Phelps fell to an all-time low when Lewis intervened. He said, “I gave him some harsh reality. I said, ‘Bro, what are you doing with your life?'”

Phelps, an ardent follower of the Baltimore Ravens, loved Lewis and his service to the franchise. He recollected the reality check he received and acknowledged it. “He tore me a new one,” said Phelps. Phelps went to The Meadows in Arizona to take part in a rehabilitation program, and his 45-day stay in rehab refueled his batteries.

“Made Me Come Home Early”: Michael Phelps Missed Out on a Special Prize During 2000 Olympics Due to Mother’s Pressure

Just like Phelps, Lewis had a similar downfall after being involved in a dangerous fight that led to the death of two men. The case remains unsolved. Despite winning Super Bowls and MVPs, the tussle tainted Lewis’ legacy. As a person who went through various struggles, Phelps received advice from Lewis.

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Phelps gives his opinion!

Noticing similar issues with Lewis, Phelps understood the realities of being in a difficult situation. But, he gave credit to Lewis for helping him out. “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,” said Phelps.

The two athletes returned from their setbacks and won various medals and titles. While Michael Phelps is the outstanding swimmer of all time, Ray Lewis is the greatest Baltimore Ravens player. They both had an unlikely bond of solitude between each other.

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Written by:

Jacob Gijy is a US Sports and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Post Graduation in Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the power forward, the respect he deserves.

Edited by:

Simar Singh Wadhwa

“What Are You Doing With Your Life”: NFL Legends Harsh Reality Check Saved Michael Phelps From Taking a Life Endangering Step

NFL superstar helped Michael Phelps

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Phelps gives his opinion!