Jonathan Owens Opens Up on Life with Simone Biles, Public Scrutiny

Their relationship progressed, leading to an engagement announcement on February 15, 2022, following Owens' Valentine's Day proposal in Houston. The couple made their union official with an intimate civil ceremony at the Harris County Courthouse in Houston, Texas, on April 22, 2023. This was followed by a larger destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on May 6, 2023, attended by 144 guests. Simone Biles stands as the most decorated gymnast in Olympic history, with an astounding 11 Olympic medals, including seven gold, and 30 World Championship medals, 23 of which are gold. Her status as one of the greatest athletes of all time was further cemented when she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022. Owens, born July 22, 1995, in St. Louis, Missouri, has built a career as an NFL safety, playing for the Houston Texans (2019-2022), Green Bay Packers (2023), Chicago Bears (2024-2025), and is currently with the Indianapolis Colts (2026-present).

Addressing the public uproar, Owens later stated that he had kept his social media notifications off and was unaware of the extent of the reaction until Biles herself brought it to his attention, asking if he had seen what was happening on Instagram. He remained largely unbothered by the criticism, remarking, "Our biggest thing is, we know that those people don't know us from a can of paint. I can't base how I feel off how another person thinks I'm supposed to be." He acknowledged that "Everyone has a voice, but we do a good job of tuning it out. But sometimes you have to express yourself and let people know, like, 'You're in the wrong.'" Owens concluded, "I don't mean to cuss, but like, damned if you do, damned if you don't. If you say something, they're going to say something; if you don't say something, they're going to say something. So, just live your life. People are going to talk about you anyway, so you might as well do it the way you want to." On December 22, 2023, Owens reinforced his stance by posting photos with Biles on Instagram, captioning them "Unbothered. Just know we locked in over here."

Biles, in turn, shared her own feelings about the backlash during an April 17, 2024, appearance on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast. She admitted, "I thought it was hilarious at first, and then they hurt my feelings, and then one night I broke down." She firmly defended her husband, stating, "I believe he is a catch, and so is she," and noted that "Social media gives [followers] this false sense of reality that they really know who you are and how you function." Ryan Clark, one of "The Pivot" hosts, also came to Owens' defense, suggesting his remarks were misinterpreted and urging listeners to view the full interview to grasp Owens' true admiration for Biles.

This incident is not the only time Owens has faced public scrutiny since marrying one of the world's most famous athletes. The intense public interest underscores the unique challenges faced by partners of globally recognized figures, where individual identities often become intertwined with their spouse's fame. Owens has consistently shown support for Biles, including during her withdrawal from several events at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 to prioritize her mental health, and Biles frequently attends his NFL games. However, Owens has also been the subject of other public reactions, such as in January 2025, when he was widely mocked online for a failed "Lambeau Leap" attempt during an NFL game, with many drawing comparisons to his wife's gymnastic prowess. In July 2024, Owens also faced criticism for wearing Biles' gold medal after her victory at the Paris Olympics, prompting comments like "why he holding it like he won it" and "give the medal back bby thats not yours" from social media users. Furthermore, in February 2026, Owens reported an attempted robbery in Milan while attending the Winter Olympics with Biles, sharing the experience on X.

More recently, in September 2026, Owens reflected on being labeled "Mr. Biles" in an interview with The Athletic. He embraced the moniker, stating, "I take it as respect. You see who my wife is. Says a lot about me as well. Like, my confidence, and who I am as a person that she chose to be with me. It's respect, because as a man in this field, [one of the] things they judge you on is who is your significant other. That says a lot about your confidence." His perspective highlights a growing understanding that being linked to such immense fame can be both a challenge and a testament to one's own character. The ongoing narrative surrounding Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles serves as a potent reminder of the constant public gaze that accompanies high-profile relationships, and the personal strength required to navigate it while remaining authentic.