Simone Biles has found herself at the center of social media scrutiny after attending the Chicago Bears' preseason game sporting some curious attire. This appearance was meant to show support for her husband, Jonathan Owens, the Bears' safety, but her choice of jacket sparked backlash from die-hard Chicago fans.
Biles, fresh off winning three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was photographed at Soldier Field wearing a jacket emblazoned with images of Owens from his previous team, the Green Bay Packers. Notably, Biles donned reflective silver sunglasses, a black Prada bucket hat, and carried a mesh Balenciaga purse, completing her game-day look.
Fans quickly took to social media to voice their displeasure. "Simone Biles on the sideline for The Bears game today...in a Packers jacket," remarked former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel, adding to the number of critical tweets about her choice of gear.
Another user chimed in with, "With all due respect, Simone Biles gotta throw the jacket in the trash ASAP," questioning how she managed to attend the game wearing the colors of the Bears' biggest rivals. Given the long-standing rivalry between the Packers and Bears, this faux pas raised eyebrows.
Biles married Owens back in April 2023, and he signed with the Chicago Bears this past March after one season with Green Bay. This context made her wardrobe decision even more contentious, as fans expected her to show unreserved support for the Bears.
Some fans were particularly harsh, with one incensed viewer stating, "Simone Biles should be stripped of all her medals after wearing Packers gear." The sentiment highlighted just how passionate fans can become over team loyalties.
Owens, for his part, has expressed immense pride for his wife's athletic accomplishments, often referring to her as his biggest inspiration. Yet, on this occasion, it appeared Biles' choice of fashion caused more distractions than admiration from the home crowd.
Before the game, fans caught glimpses of the seven-time Olympic champion as she navigated the sidelines, sporting a protective walking boot due to a calf injury sustained during her Olympic performances. Biles clarified previously to NBC Sports, citing the boot was merely for precautionary purposes following her return from competition.
While attending the game, Biles seemed unfazed by the criticism as her husband had been excused from Bears' training camp to cheer her on at the Olympics. The franchise reportedly allowed Owens five days off to support Biles from the sidelines during her Olympic triumphs.
The uproar over Biles' jacket brought quite the spotlight not only on her but also on her husband’s football career, emphasizing the intertwining paths of two athletes striving for excellence. What should have been a simple supportive moment for Owens turned complicated as fans reignited the playful rivalry between the two teams through the lens of celebrity sports fashion.
Despite the criticisms, Biles’ dedication to cheering on her husband remained clear. She managed to garner attention at the game, albeit for the wrong reason, highlighting how fame can forge unexpected challenges.
This incident overall painted Simone Biles as the target of both applause and ridicule, demonstrating how her status as an athlete intersects with broader sports culture and team identities. It also shows how social media can amplify voices, making even the smallest wardrobe choices feel significant.
While many fans continued to voice their opinions online, Biles likely remains focused on her next steps, both as a wife and as one of the most decorated gymnasts of all time. This light-hearted but critical backlash reflects just how deeply ingrained sports rivalries can be, extending even to the spouses of players.