Baltimore native Michael Phelps is a diehard Ravens fan, and the Ravens love the Olympic swimmer back. In fact, when Phelps’ 200-meter race at Rio was scheduled to overlap with the Ravens’ preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, the team announced it would show the race at M&T Stadium.
Ravens, Panthers stop preseason game to watch Michael Phelps win 22nd gold medal
U-S-A!
Near the end of the fourth quarter, both teams stopped to watch Phelps earn his 22nd gold medal.
BALTIMORE PROUD. #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/FlB1BoZkZ8
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 12, 2016
The Baltimore crowd roared for the hometown hero:
The crowd at Ravens stadium watching as Phelps wins another gold (on delay) pic.twitter.com/88RHcuIUme
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) August 12, 2016
And even the Panthers, who lost 22-19, paid tribute to the G.O.A.T.
Good game @Ravens. Best of luck this season! pic.twitter.com/M27KdWlK5w
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 12, 2016
After the game, reigning NFL MVP Cam Newton -- preternaturally athletic in his own right -- acknowledged the “cool” moment:
Cam Newton on Michael Phelps: "It's a big deal. There's not too many athletes that are just going to have the world stop just to watch him.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 12, 2016
