Simone Biles, the most decorated American gymnast, has always had a strong support system, and a cornerstone of that support is her husband, Jonathan Owens. As she competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the world witnessed the unwavering encouragement from her partner. Their relationship, which began in March 2020, blossomed into marriage with a courthouse ceremony in April 2023, followed by a grand celebration in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. But who is Jonathan Owens, the man who stands beside this athletic icon? This article delves into everything you need to know about Simone Biles’ husband.
In a candid interview with Vanity Fair in January 2024, Simone Biles revealed the spark she felt upon meeting Jonathan Owens. Beyond his undeniable attractiveness, it was his kindness and confidence that truly captivated her. Jonathan, equally smitten, confessed in the same interview that it was Simone’s infectious laugh that initially drew him in. Their connection was instant and effortless, filled with comfortable silences and endless conversations.
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens’ Relationship Timeline highlights a journey of mutual respect and admiration. Throughout their relationship, Jonathan Owens has consistently championed Simone’s gymnastics career, even navigating his NFL commitments with the Chicago Bears to ensure he could be in Paris to support her Olympic dreams. His presence in the stands as Simone and Team USA clinched gold in the women’s gymnastics team final, and again when she secured gold in the women’s all-around finals, spoke volumes of his dedication.
So, let’s explore the life of Jonathan Owens and uncover what makes him the perfect partner for Simone Biles.
From St. Louis Kid to Chicago Bear: Jonathan Owens’ Journey
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Carmen Mandato/Getty
Jonathan Owens proudly identifies as “just a kid from St. Louis” in his Instagram bio, reflecting his humble beginnings. His athletic journey began at Christian Brothers College High School in Missouri, where he excelled in football. Continuing his football career at Missouri Western State University, he earned recognition as Male Student-Athlete of the Year in his senior season, showcasing his dedication both on and off the field.
His professional football aspirations materialized when he signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2018. However, a knee injury during practice put his rookie season on hold. In a 2019 interview with News-Press Now, he recounted the emotional toll of the injury, “I’m just lying on the ground crying because I don’t even know how that works. I’m thinking, I came all the way here and got hurt.” Despite being placed on injured reserve initially, he was eventually waived in August 2019.
Resilience defined Jonathan’s career path. Before landing with the Chicago Bears in March 2024 on a two-year free-agent contract, he honed his skills with the Green Bay Packers and the Houston Texans. His move to the Chicago Bears marked a new chapter, and Simone Biles has been a constant presence at his games, demonstrating her unwavering support for her husband’s career.
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Simone Biles Instagram
Simone even shared with PEOPLE that one silver lining of the 2020 Olympic Games postponement was the opportunity to support Jonathan in person. Her enthusiasm for his career extends beyond the stands. In a celebrity-filled video promoting the 2022-23 NFL season, Simone proudly sported a Houston Texans jersey, a nod to her home state and Jonathan’s team at the time. The clip highlighted her energetic support, flipping through a gym in team colors.
A Dating App Love Story: How Simone and Jonathan Met
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Simone Biles Instagram
The beginning of Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens’ relationship is a modern romance story. They connected on the dating app Raya in 2020, and in a move that speaks to her confidence, Simone initiated the conversation. As she playfully told WSJ. Magazine in July 2021, “He would say I slid into his DMs.” Attracted by his profile, Simone reached out, and upon discovering he was in the Houston area, they arranged to meet.
Their relationship progressed organically. A pivotal moment occurred when Simone’s sister invited Jonathan on a lake house trip, accelerating their bond. The COVID-19 pandemic, despite its challenges, inadvertently provided them with the gift of time. Jonathan shared with Texas Monthly in June 2021, “It was one of the few times in her life where everything was just shut off and she couldn’t do anything. So we used it to get to know each other — really get to know each other. It created our bond and made it stronger. Now I’m so thankful.”
Unaware of Gymnastics Royalty: Jonathan’s Initial Impression of Simone
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Interestingly, Jonathan Owens was initially unaware of Simone Biles’ global fame as a gymnastics icon. Despite her status as the most decorated American gymnast, he admitted to Texas Monthly, “I didn’t know who she was. I just hadn’t heard of her, and when I told her that, that’s one of the things she liked.” This refreshing lack of preconceived notions allowed Jonathan to see Simone for who she was as a person, not just an athlete.
In an episode of Simone’s docuseries, Simone vs Herself, Jonathan expressed his admiration for her dedication. “Her work ethic was the first thing that caught my eye. I’d never watch gymnastics before, when I first met I honestly didn’t know who she was… The coolest thing for me is that I get to witness someone who is literally at the pinnacle of their sport, it’s motivating just to see that and the impact that she has on people,” he shared. His appreciation for her character and drive deepened their connection.
“My Person, Forever”: Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens Say “I Do”
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RAETAY PHOTOGRAPHY
The love story of Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens reached a beautiful milestone when they officially became husband and wife on April 22, 2023, in an intimate courthouse ceremony. Jonathan’s Instagram caption announcing their marriage, “My person, forever ❤️💍,” perfectly encapsulated the depth of their commitment. Simone reciprocated the sentiment, commenting, “i love you husband.”
Simone looked radiant in a chic halter-style wedding dress, while Jonathan complemented her in a tan suit. Their celebration continued with a lavish ceremony on May 6, 2023, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The destination wedding at the Umi Terrace of the Nobu Los Cabos hosted 144 guests amidst stunning floral arrangements and a sophisticated champagne, gold, and white décor palette.
Simone confessed to Vogue that walking down the aisle was nerve-wracking. “I’ve never been so nervous before in my life,” she admitted. However, seeing Jonathan at the altar melted away her anxieties. “Seeing Jonathan at the altar was a dream,” she recounted. “Our guests were cheering for everyone. I was shocked by the love in the air. The ceremony was so beautiful and dreamy.”
Mutual Support: The Cornerstone of Simone and Jonathan’s Relationship
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Despite navigating different professional sports, Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens share a unique understanding of the demands and pressures of being elite athletes. As Simone told PEOPLE in 2021, their mutual support is unwavering. “Oh, he’s always so supportive,” she said. “Even if I wake up in the morning and I’m like, ‘I’m tired, do I have to go,’ jokingly, he’s like ‘Don’t say that! You can do it, this is your dream!'”
Jonathan echoed this sentiment in his interview with Texas Monthly, highlighting Simone’s reciprocal encouragement and their competitive dynamic. “She’ll be telling me, ‘Don’t be a baby, you’re all right.’ We’re both super competitive,” he shared, noting how Simone’s dedication inspires him. “When I see her getting up and going to practice every morning, it motivates me even more. It’s a great feeling when the person you’re in a relationship with understands what you’re going through.”
Jonathan was by Simone’s side when she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in July 2022. His Instagram post expressed immense pride: “Words can’t explain how proud I am of you. This has been such a surreal experience to watch you receive your Presidential Medal of Freedom, and be the youngest to ever receive one at that!”
He continued to celebrate Simone’s return to competition at the U.S. Classics in August 2023, her first since the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. “So damn proud of you baby ❤️❤️❤️,” he commented. His support was also evident at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics team trials, where he enthusiastically cheered her on, captured in a video shared by NBC Sports on X.
A Tattoo of Love: Jonathan’s Tribute to Simone
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Simone Biles/Instagram
In a testament to his love and commitment, Jonathan Owens got a cursive “S” tattoo on his ring finger in July 2024, just before the Paris Olympics. This permanent tribute symbolizes Simone’s special place in his heart.
Olympics Support Negotiated: Jonathan’s Dedication to Simone’s Dreams
Jonathan’s dedication to supporting Simone extended to his professional negotiations. As reported by Yahoo! Sports, he revealed that his contract with the Chicago Bears included a clause allowing him to leave training camp to cheer for Simone at the Olympics. “The Olympics were coming up and you know who my wife is,” he explained. This pre-arranged support underscores his commitment to being present for Simone’s pivotal moments.
Despite his excitement, Jonathan admitted that watching Simone compete is nerve-wracking. “It’s the person you love most, man, and you see them out there in a position where someone could get hurt and you care,” he shared. His presence in the stands during the 2024 Olympics women’s gymnastics team finals, alongside Simone’s parents, demonstrated his unwavering support as Team USA secured the gold medal. He was also there to celebrate her gold medal in the women’s all-around finals, even playfully keeping score with a pen from the Louvre. Owens joined Biles’ parents in this joyous occasion.
Future Family Plans: Kids on the Horizon for Simone and Jonathan
Looking ahead, Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens envision a future filled with family. In a 2024 Paris Olympics interview with Today, Simone told Hoda Kotb that motherhood is “most definitely” in her plans. “Most definitely” she affirmed. “Me and Jonathan always talk about kids. He would have them, like, yesterday if he could have,” she added, emphasizing their shared desire for children, albeit after achieving current goals.
Jonathan Owens is more than just Simone Biles’ husband; he is her biggest cheerleader, her unwavering support, and her loving partner. Their relationship exemplifies mutual respect, shared ambition, and a deep connection that promises a bright future together, both personally and professionally.
