The Chicago Bears have excused Jonathan Owens from preseason practice to support his wife, Simone Biles, at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Bears coach Matt Eberflus explained the decision, stating, “Just because we respect the Olympics. That is a big deal. And he’s just supporting the one he loves the most. And I think that’s so cool that he gets to do that.”
Eberflus, 54, emphasized the importance of the Olympics and the team’s support for Owens, 29, as he travels to Paris.
“We welcome Owens going to Paris to be there for his wife at the Olympics – and it’s going to be awesome,” he told ESPN on Monday, July 22. “Go USA.”
Owens has previously expressed his excitement about watching Biles compete. “It’s just fun for me to be able to witness [her] greatness,” he told USA Today in June.
“I just love getting to watch her in her environment. Seeing her locked in, it’s just amazing to see. She goes up there and does it, every freaking time. Surpasses what she’s supposed to do. I love that.”
Biles secured her spot on the U.S. gymnastics team in June after scoring an all-around total of 117.225 at the U.S. Olympic team trials. She will join Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera on the five-woman team.
Biles, who is the most decorated gymnast of all time, previously won four gold medals and one bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. She also earned a silver and a bronze medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo before withdrawing from multiple events after experiencing the “twisties.”
Reflecting on her struggles during the Tokyo Olympics, Biles shared on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast in April, “In training, I was having the twisties already, but I’m trying to push past that.
I would literally tell the team … ‘I’m fighting demons. I’m fighting demons right now, but I’m going to do it for you guys.’ I literally felt like I was fighting my body and my mind to do these tricks.”
After taking a two-year break from competing following the Tokyo Olympics, Biles returned to training in September 2022.
She noted that she feels “more mature” this time around for the Paris Olympics. “I would say the only thing I have to prove is to myself that I can get out there and do it again,” Biles told Today’s Hoda Kotb on July 17.
Biles’ journey to the Paris Olympics has been marked by her incredible resilience and determination. She has faced numerous challenges, both physically and mentally, but continues to push forward.
Her return to competition is not only a testament to her strength but also an inspiration to many.
Meanwhile, Owens’ decision to support his wife during this pivotal moment underscores the couple’s strong bond and mutual support. Despite the demands of his own professional career, Owens is prioritizing his family and the historic significance of the Olympics.
The Bears’ decision to excuse Owens from practice has been met with widespread approval, reflecting the team’s respect for the Olympics and the importance of family support.
As Biles prepares to compete on one of the world’s biggest stages, having her husband by her side will undoubtedly be a source of strength and encouragement.
In summary, Jonathan Owens’ temporary absence from Chicago Bears’ preseason practice to support Simone Biles at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a heartwarming example of the intersection of personal and professional life. It highlights the importance of support systems in achieving greatness and the value placed on the Olympics as a global event. Both Owens and Biles are poised to make memorable contributions to their respective fields, supported by the love and encouragement of each other and their teams.
Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens is set to take a leave of absence from the team during training camp to support his wife, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. This decision, made with the full support of the Bears organization, underscores the importance of family and the respect held for the Olympic Games.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus addressed the media about Owens’ absence, emphasizing the significance of the Olympics and the value of supporting loved ones.
“We respect the Olympics,” Eberflus stated. “That’s a big deal. He’s supporting the one he loves the most.”
Owens, who signed a two-year deal with the Bears this offseason, is expected to play a crucial role as a reserve safety behind Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Prior to joining the Bears, Owens started 11 games for the Packers last season, showcasing his skills and earning a key position in the Bears’ defensive lineup.
In March, shortly after joining the Bears, Owens spoke candidly about his marriage to Biles, one of the most celebrated athletes in history. He described their relationship as similar to any other, despite the public attention they receive. “It’s like a respect thing people give that they always mention my wife first, just because you always want your wife on this pedestal,” Owens said. “I love her.
I support her.”
The Bears’ decision to allow Owens to support Biles during the Olympics highlights the team’s commitment to its players’ personal lives and well-being. The Paris Olympics, running from July 27 to August 10, means Owens will be back in time for two of the Bears’ preseason games, as he is scheduled to return on Saturday, August 3, according to The Athletic.
Coach Eberflus expressed his enthusiasm for Owens’ opportunity to be in Paris.
“I think that’s so cool that he gets to do that,” he said. “We welcome that and it’s going to be awesome. Go USA.”
Biles, who secured her spot on the U.S. gymnastics team in June, is poised to make a significant impact at the Paris Games. After scoring an all-around total of 117.225 at the U.S. Olympic team trials, she will compete alongside Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera. Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, has previously won four gold medals and one bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, and a silver and a bronze at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Biles’ journey to the Paris Olympics has been marked by resilience and determination. She took a two-year break from competing following the Tokyo Olympics, where she experienced the “twisties,” a condition that affects a gymnast’s spatial awareness and can lead to dangerous landings. In an April appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Biles described her struggle during the Tokyo Games. “In training, I was having the twisties already, but I’m trying to push past that.
I would literally tell the team … ‘I’m fighting demons. I’m fighting demons right now, but I’m going to do it for you guys.’ I literally felt like I was fighting my body and my mind to do these tricks.”
Returning to training in September 2022, Biles has focused on physical and mental preparation for the Paris Olympics. She told Today’s Hoda Kotb on July 17, “I would say the only thing I have to prove is to myself that I can get out there and do it again.
Owens’ decision to support his wife during this pivotal moment in her career exemplifies the strength of their relationship and the mutual support they provide each other. Despite the demands of his own professional career, Owens is prioritizing his family and the historic significance of the Olympics.
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The Bears’ support for Owens’ temporary absence is a testament to the team’s values and the recognition of the importance of family and personal commitments. As Biles prepares to compete on one of the world’s biggest stages, having her husband by her side will undoubtedly be a source of strength and encouragement.
In summary, Jonathan Owens’ leave from the Chicago Bears to support Simone Biles at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a heartwarming example of the balance between professional and personal life.
It highlights the importance of support systems in achieving greatness and the value placed on the Olympics as a global event. Both Owens and Biles are set to make significant contributions to their respective fields, backed by the love and encouragement of each other and their teams.