It’s official: Olympics > preseason football. What happened in Baltimore Thursday night pretty much made that clear.

Of course, there are some special athletes who are just transcendent enough to get the treatment Michael Phelps did in his hometown — from almost 5,000 miles away.

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While the Ravens and Carolina Panthers were midway through the fourth quarter of their mostly meaningless preseason opener, the few fans remaining at M&T Bank Stadium were treated to the most excitement of the night.

During a stoppage in play, Phelps’ 200-meter IM race — his 22nd goal medal, y’all — was shown on the board. And it wasn’t just the fans watching.

Players from both teams watching on the big board as the Phelps race is shown. Phelps is a Baltimore guy. pic.twitter.com/fMP4aDsnfV — Joe Person (@josephperson) August 12, 2016





Both teams just stopped and watching #MichaelPhelps pic.twitter.com/urWPihUP2c — Britt McHenry (@BrittMcHenry) August 12, 2016





That’s respect for greatness. Game recognizes game, as they say. This was all planned, too. The Ravens made a call before the game to show the race, and it was a brilliant one as it turned out. Better than third-string action for sure.

Phelps is also a big Ravens fan. If you squint, he even looks like a bizarre Joe Flacco. But it’s clear how much he loves his city and his city loves him.

Cool scene in Charm City.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!

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