Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens has prioritized his support for his wife, four-time Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles, by opting out of the team’s Hall of Fame Game. The decision to miss the August 1st preseason contest in Canton, Ohio, will allow Owens to be present in Paris for the culmination of Biles’ Olympic journey.
Biles is scheduled to compete in the all-around final on August 1st, the same day as the Bears’ preseason opener. Recognizing the significance of the Olympics and the unique opportunity for Owens to support his wife, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus granted the safety a leave of absence from July 29th to August 3rd.
“We respect the Olympics. That’s a big deal,” Eberflus stated. “He’s supporting the one he loves the most. I think that’s so cool that he gets to do that, we welcome that and it’s going to be awesome.”
Owens, a former Houston Texan who met Biles in the city in 2020, married the Olympic star in 2023. The couple’s relationship has captured the attention of the public, and Owens’ decision to prioritize his wife’s career over football has garnered widespread admiration.
While the Bears will be without one of their defensive backs for a crucial week of training camp and a preseason game, the team’s support for Owens underscores a growing recognition of the importance of work-life balance and the unique challenges faced by athletes in high-profile relationships.
As the world watches Simone Biles aim for another historic Olympic perperformance, her husband’s unwavering support will undoubtedly be a source of inspiration and strength.
Source: Field Level Media
