In a delightful crossover of sports worlds, Olympic gymnastics superstar Simone Biles recently traded the balance beam for the gridiron, taking on a unique role during a major NFL game. The celebrated athlete, wife of Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, participated in the NFL's Celebrity Photographer Series, showcasing her skills from behind the camera.
Biles on the Field: A New Kind of Performance
The event unfolded at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, during the high-profile matchup between the Chicago Bears and the San Francisco 49ers. Simone Biles, an 11-time Olympic gold medalist, was seen wearing an official NFL media vest and expertly handling a Sony camera to capture the action. She humorously referred to this high-profile gig as "just a little side gig", embracing the new experience with her characteristic enthusiasm.
Before the game kicked off, Biles shared a warm moment on the field, hugging Olivia Culpo, the wife of 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey. As part of the league's Live Content Correspondents team, Biles focused her lens on players from both teams, with special attention on the Bears' roster, which includes her husband.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Jonathan Owens
The most touching moment came when Jonathan Owens posed for his wife. Another WAG (Wives and Girlfriends of athletes) prompted Biles to show Owens her special tribute. Biles called him over and proudly displayed the back of her media vest, which featured the number "36" – matching her husband's Bears jersey number. This small but significant gesture highlighted her support, proving that even in a side role, her heart remains with her partner.
The NFL's official X account shared Biles' introductory video, where she said, "Hey guys, I'm Simone Biles, and we're here at Sunday Night Football, where the Bears take on the 49ers, and I'm going to be taking some photographs." Typically seen enjoying games from the VIP suite, Biles took on this active role, getting up close to the field. She teased her followers on her Instagram Story with a selfie captioned: "side quest coming sooooooon."
Olympic Teammate Suni Lee Joins the Fun
Biles was not the only Olympic gold medalist to try her hand at NFL photography. Her teammate, Suni Lee, took on the same celebrity photographer role on Christmas Day. The six-time Olympic medalist, who won gold alongside Biles in both Tokyo and Paris, covered the Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota. The assignment held a special significance for the 22-year-old Lee, who is a native of Saint Paul, Minnesota.
This initiative by the NFL has seen participation from a diverse array of celebrities, adding a unique flavour to game day coverage. Other notable figures who have been part of the Celebrity Photographer Series include:
- Rapper Method Man
- NFL legend Marshawn Lynch
- Two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant
The series successfully blends sports, entertainment, and personal stories, offering fans a fresh perspective on the game they love. For Simone Biles, it was a chance to support her husband's profession in a creatively new way, once again capturing the public's admiration both for her athletic legacy and her personal charm.
