The Chicago Bears brought Jonathan Owens as a free agent this off-season. From a football standpoint, it made plenty of sense. He provides immediate depth at safety behind Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. He started 11 games last year for the Green Bay Packers, making 84 tackles, a sack, and returning a fumble for a touchdown. However, his greater value comes on special teams, where he made nine tackles last season. Such versatility has significant value to a team like the Bears.
However, most people don’t know Owens for his football accomplishments. He’s more famous for being the husband of Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles. In her already stellar career, the 27-year-old holds a staggering 27 gold medals, four in the Olympics and 23 in the World Championships. She recently finished first at the U.S. Olympic Trials, qualifying for the Olympics in Paris this August. The one problem was her husband wouldn’t be able to watch her in person. Owens couldn’t attend in 2021 because of training camp with the Houston Texans. Expectations were it would happen again with Chicago.
A grinning Biles told reporters that wouldn’t be the case.
“The Bears are actually granting him a couple days off from training camp, so he’ll be there, yes,” she said, grinning. “For just a short little time.”
“Anytime we can show up for one another in support, we just get super excited because our schedules don’t align that much,” Biles said. “So whenever it does, it’s really important for the both of us to show up in support.”
The Bears certainly found a way to win Jonathan Owens’ loyalty.
He is sure to remember a gesture like this down the line. Yes, training camp is important. Missing too many practices can leave players behind. That said, supporting loved ones is also important. Head coach Matt Eberflus and GM Ryan Poles value family. Letting Owens support his wife during one of the most pivotal competitions of her life is a small price to pay. Besides, if his presence helps her perform better, it will only benefit the U.S.A. in its efforts to excel at the games.
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The Women’s gymnastics competition begins on July 28th and runs through August 5th. The Bears’ training camp starts on July 19th, with the first public practice on the 26th. Owens will likely be present for every practice during that stretch before heading to France the following week. Expectations are high for Biles this year. She seems to have recovered from her struggles in Tokyo three years ago. Having her husband on hand to support her figures to steady those nerves.
Here’s a gesture I sincerely believe the Bears need to make sooner than later: Offer Tevin Jenkins either Guard spot for the whole year. If he gets hurt in ’24, he can have it back immediately when he recovers. I realize TJ was not drafted by Poles. But TJ is a Bear, just as much as Jaylon. Give the man the rope. Advise him he’s going to be graded at year end. If he plays RG for example 85% snaps and 85% great then we know we can keep him. Anything lower will need to be analyzed of course. His… Read more »
As I said when Bear Nation blew up after Poles threw JF a bone by sending him to a desired destination, this is another example of Poles making The Bears a player friendly organization that will pay dividends down the road
Classy move.
Upon greater inspection, he does look somewhat like Snoop, and that is a good thing.
What’s so funny about peace, love, and understanding Bear hardliners. The New Bears are demonstrating compassion, empathy, and support for yet another player, even a lowly special teamer.