Raising awareness for 'mental health' Michael Phelps pens a touching shoutout for his ‘battle buddy’ Jay Glazer

Michael Phelps is the most successful swimmer of all time and he's consistently used his platform to raise awareness about mental health. Most recently, the American shouted out to close friend and NFL insider Jay Glazer, celebrating their bond while outlining the importance of mental health.

Phelps led an incredible career in the pool. He made his Olympic debut at the 2000 Games, aged just 15 years old. While he didn't win any medals in Athens, the 39-year-old would go on to win a total of 28 medals from the next four Games, making him the most decorated Olympian of all time.

However, despite the success in his career, Phelps has struggled with depression outside of the pool and has been vocal about his experiences with mental health. Most recently, he wrote a supportive message for his ‘battle buddy’ Jay Glazer, posting a photo of the two ad writing on his Instagram,

“Battle buddies for life, love ya homie. #mentalhealth.”

Glazer reposted this and wrote,

“For life!!! Proud we have each other Michale Phelps to lean into when our shit goes sideways!! Turned us from friends to BROTHERS.”

Via Jay Glazer's Instagram

---

Michael Phelps on how Jay Glazer helped him deal with the death of his father

Michael Phelps on how Glazer helped him at a difficult time (Image Source: Getty)

Michael Phelps and Jay Glazer have both been staunch advocates for mental health and are vocal about the struggles they each face in their life. The duo share a close bond, and in an appearance on Glazer’s Unbreakable podcast, Phelps credited the NFL insider for helping him deal with his father's demise, saying,

“I'm thankful and you know, some of the words that that you shared with me that day, I still go back to a lot and and yeah, I've actually screenshot that message just you know, just so I never forget because you know, there there are a few moments that yeah, it just you know, it helps you just process things.”

Phelps went on to add that it was the ‘coolest thing’ to have been able to reach out to Glazer in that moment, saying,

“And you know, I think that was the coolest thing in life. Like, yeah we'd gone back and forth and played phone tag here and there, and I was like, shit, I don't know who to talk to. I don't know who to reach out to. And I just snapped, I was like, Jay, I'm (going to) text Jay, And yes, I'm thankful you were there and again the advice and the wisdom you gave me and thankful for (that) man.

Outside of talking about his own struggles with mental health, Phelps is also the founder of the Michael Phelps Foundation. The organization’s ‘Open Up' program is focused on encouraging young athletes and students to reach out for help when they're struggling with their mental health.