ExtremeRavens Posted August 12 Posted August 12 A 23-time Olympic gold medalist was in the house Tuesday at Ravens practice in Owings Mills, and he wasn’t alone. Michael Phelps was there for the Marlon Humphrey-orchestrated swimming lessons after the cornerback showed off the team’s new pool on social media and prodded the 40-year-old Baltimore native. But it was another familiar legend who drew plenty of attention. Ray Lewis, the Hall of Fame linebacker who was integral to the Ravens’ two Super Bowl titles, signed autographs and took pictures in one of the last training camp practices open to fans. Players got some face time with the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time All-Pro, too. Among them was quarterback and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson. “Every time I’m making you come out of that spot every time because I know how dynamic you are from the spot,” Lewis told Jackson, motioning to his position in the pocket. “So I want you to be rattled everywhere.” Lewis, 50, also reminisced about the first time he met safety Kyle Hamilton, who was back at practice for the first time in a week, chatted with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, hung out with Phelps and chatted with professional golfers Chris Gotterup, Michael Kim and Andrew Novak, who are all in town for this week’s BMW Championship at nearby Caves Valley. Former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis visits practice and signs autographs for fans. Lewis, a two-time Super Bowl champion, also spoke to the team. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis visits practice and signs autographs for fans. Lewis, a two-time Super Bowl champion, also spoke to the team. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis visits practice and signs autographs for fans. Lewis, a two-time Super Bowl champion, also spoke to the team. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Show Caption1 of 3Former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis visits practice and signs autographs for fans. Lewis, a two-time Super Bowl champion, also spoke to the team. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Expand The appearance by Lewis was also a “surreal” one for Baltimore defensive coordinator Zach Orr. Orr, 33, played linebacker for the Ravens from 2014 to 2016 before congenital spine and neck condition cut his career short. He still remembers the cut-ups of Lewis that coaches showed during defensive meetings. “I grew up watching him as a kid,” Orr said, adding he didn’t know Lewis would be making an appearance. “He has plenty of pictures — plenty of honors around the building — so I think it’s great for guys who haven’t had a chance to meet him or see him up close to feel his presence.” Lewis also had a message for current players. “It was about, ‘Don’t skip any steps. The preparation is what’s going to lead you to success,’” Orr said, unaware that Lewis would be in the building. “I was fired up.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article Quote
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