For all you Michael Phelps fans out there, here’s a word of advice that will help you stay on his good side: Don’t wear Pittsburgh Steelers gear.
That’s exactly what one reporter did during a press conference at the 2016 Rio Olympics when Phelps was at the podium.
“Is that a Steelers?” Phelps said, via ESPN. “Aw, man. Golly.”
Thankfully there was another reporter wearing Baltimore Ravens gear.
“There we go, there’s some Ravens,” Phelps said. “Man, Steelers. Football season’s back.”
Growing up in Baltimore, he was a pre-teen when the Ravens moved to town. A life-long obsession with the NFL franchise ensued, which also included the natural byproduct of hating the Steelers.
The love Phelps has for the Ravens has been reciprocated. During the team’s first preseason game, action was halted as Phelps swam in the 200m Individual Medley. Ravens fans and players alike cheered as he won his 22nd career gold medal.
The Baltimore @Ravens fans are LOVING @MichaelPhelps' Gold medal win in the 200m IM! (via Ravens/Snapchat) https://t.co/FDnqT0NOQv
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 12, 2016
He would, of course, win another gold to make it 23 in his career. In total, Phelps has 28 career Olympic medals, which puts him in a league of his own, even when compared to most other Olympic nations (more on that here).
Now ready to finally put his Olympic aspirations behind him, chances are good Ravens fans will see Phelps on the sideline sometime in the future as he settles into home life.