Thanks to the new Netflix documentary about Simone Biles, called Simone Biles Rising, it seems we have finally pinpointed the first moment that Jonathan Owens realized exactly who his wife is. In one interview, he remembered his mind being blown the first time it hit him how famous Simone Biles was.
Jonathan Owens’ eye-opening moment
The documentary series sheds light on the mental health struggles Biles faced at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In the clip, which she shared on her Instagram story, she describes the weight of pressure she felt to win, comparing it to Hercules holding up the world. It then cuts to the Chicago Bears safety, who re-lived his “aha” moment.
“I remember seeing the commercials leading up to it and it’s like ‘The Greatest of All Time, Simone Biles. The star of the Olympics!'” he remembers. “And I’m like, ‘man, it’s every other commercial!'”
The jaw-dropping look on his face told the story of a man who simply couldn’t understand that level of fame. Owens played college football at Missouri Western State before working his way to the fringes of NFL rosters with the Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers and now the Bears. Biles is a 4-time gold medalist and has been in the spotlight since she won her first World Championship at age 16.
Owens didn’t know who Simone Biles was at first
Owens infamously admitted he did not know who Simone Biles was when the first met in a viral interview in 2023. The NFL journeyman went so far as to say he was the “catch” in the relationship.
He is now more supportive and involved in Biles’ gymnastics career. The eye-opening clip from Biles’ Netflix show seems to mark the turning point when he realized how big of a deal she is and the unique challenges it provides for her career and their relationship.
We can expect Biles to be a major star again at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but this time, the people around her will be a little more prepared to help her shoulder the load.
