It’s never easy being in the public eye, especially when you’re part of a power couple where one half is the most decorated gymnast in history. For Simone Biles and her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, their relationship has been under a microscope from the very beginning. While they often present a united front, certain moments have sparked concern and conversation among fans and observers, suggesting that their marriage, like many, faces its own unique set of challenges.
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A picture might be worth a thousand words, but body language can tell an even deeper story. This was especially apparent at the 2025 Met Gala, an event the couple co-hosted. While Biles radiated joy on the red carpet, experts noted that Owens’s demeanor told a different tale. According to body language analyst Traci Brown, his smiles appeared forced—limited to the lips and quickly switched off—a potential sign of discomfort or disinterest in the glamorous surroundings. While it’s possible he simply felt out of his element at a high-fashion event, it wasn’t an isolated incident. It added to a growing narrative that he sometimes displays a surprisingly nonchalant, even arrogant, attitude toward his wife’s world.
A Dismissive Approach to Her Achievements
One of the earliest red flags for fans was Owens’s repeated claim that he didn’t know who Simone Biles was when they first met. For many, the idea that a professional athlete was unaware of arguably the greatest gymnast of all time seemed hard to believe. But it was his subsequent comments that truly raised eyebrows. He openly admitted to downplaying the difficulty of her sport, even joking that she couldn’t guard wide receivers and that gymnastics “is not that hard.” He only seemed to grasp her level of fame after checking her millions of Instagram followers, a metric that felt superficial to those who admire her for her athletic prowess.
To his credit, Owens later acknowledged the incredible skill and effort required in gymnastics after seeing her compete in person. However, the initial dismissiveness left a lasting impression on the public and created a narrative that he failed to fully appreciate her accomplishments from the start.
Public Perception and the “Who’s the Catch?” Debate
The dynamic took another awkward turn during a now-infamous podcast appearance where Owens declared himself “the catch” in the relationship. The comment, suggesting Biles was lucky to have him, sparked immediate and intense backlash online. Fans were quick to defend Biles, labeling her as the undeniable prize in the partnership.
The backlash was so severe that Biles herself had to step in. She explained that the comment was hyped up by the podcast hosts and taken out of context, but the damage was done. She pleaded with fans to stop the relentless criticism of her husband, even breaking down over the vitriol directed at him. This episode created a difficult friction between Biles and her own fanbase, forcing her to fiercely protect her relationship and set firm boundaries with those who overstepped.
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The Underlying Tension of Competing Sports
What may have started as playful banter reportedly evolved into a genuine source of tension. The couple admitted to having frequent “fights” over which sport is harder—football or gymnastics. These debates became so contentious that they allegedly made a vow after marrying to never discuss the topic again, a truce that Biles admits they’ve struggled to keep. This ongoing debate highlights a deeper potential issue: a failure to fully validate and respect the immense physical and mental demands of each other’s professions.
The Strain of a Long-Distance Marriage
Beyond the public scrutiny, a very practical challenge weighs on their marriage: distance. Shortly after their wedding, Owens’s career took him first to the Green Bay Packers and then to the Chicago Bears, while Biles’s training base remains in Houston, Texas. This long-distance arrangement is a strain for any newly married couple, forcing them to cherish limited time together while both pursuing demanding, all-consuming careers. While they publicly express support and pride for one another, the physical separation remains a significant obstacle to overcome.
In the end, every marriage has its complexities, and it’s impossible to judge a relationship solely from the outside. While fans have expressed concern over Owens’s behavior, Biles has consistently chosen to defend her husband and prioritize their union. Their story is a reminder that even the most golden couples must navigate misunderstandings, public opinion, and the very real logistics of building a life together under the brightest of spotlights.
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