While most of the Baltimore Ravens' players were trying to make their way to the showers amongst a sea of media and cameras, Ray Lewis embraced the Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, showing a rare moment of emotion with the swimmer. Phelps, a Baltimore native, and Lewis had built up a friendship over the years, crediting each other as inspiration.
Phelps has been a longtime Ravens' fan since growing up in the area. In New Orleans for the big game, the gold-medal swimmer was thrilled to see his hometown team win the championship.
"It was unbelievable. My mom and I were literally up in the stands crying our eyes out the whole entire time. It's amazing to bring it back to Baltimore, "Phelps said to Comcast SportsNet.
Once the game ended, Phelps made his way back to the Ravens' locker room. Phelps had created friendships with many of the players, stopping by practices and attending the games. He was first greeted by safety Ed Reed who told Phelps he brought the spirit of a champion to the team.
Phelps then made his way to Lewis' locker where the two shared a moment of happiness over the victory. Lewis told Phelps that he gave him the formula to succeed. Phelps and Lewis have developed a unique friendship over the years as elite athletes. Phelps claims it was Lewis who inspired him to compete in the London Olympics and try from gold one last time. He told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Lewis meant a great deal to him as a friend.
"He was probably the single reason I came back for four more years. A lot of people don't know that, but things that he has said to me, I can never thank him enough, Phelps said.
Phelps won six medals in the 2012 Olympics, four being gold. He retired, going out on top of his sport. He then sat in the stands as his friend went out the exact same way.
"Watching Lewis the last play of the game today, that's the last time I'll ever see him play. It's something that's very tough for Baltimore people to watch. I'm probably more emotional here than I was in London, "Phelps said.
Prior to the Super Bowl, Phelps predicted a seven-point victory for his hometown favorite. While he was just a bit off on the score, he did get the winner correct.
