Simone Biles made headlines last NFL season for her enthusiastic and loving support of her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens.
Her appearances at games, complete with sweet sideline interactions and viral moments, earned admiration from fans across the league. But with a new season on the horizon, the mood around her public appearances has shifted.
One of the most memorable moments between the couple came on December 16, ahead of the Bears’ matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. While the Bears endured their eighth straight loss, it was a tender clip that stole the spotlight. Shared by SportsCenter on X, the short video showed Biles heading to the sideline pregame, embracing Owens, exchanging a few kisses, and running through a fun handshake routine complete with playful gestures.
It was a heartfelt scene that highlighted their strong bond and offered a rare personal glimpse into their relationship.
The clip quickly went viral, with fans celebrating the couple as one of the NFL‘s most relatable and supportive duos. But fast-forward eight months, and the reception toward Biles has taken a dramatic turn.
Fan response turns harsh during preseason public appearance
On August 3, the Bears hosted their annual Family Fest at Soldier Field, giving fans a preview of what to expect this season. Owens was back in uniform, and Biles once again made her way to the stadium to cheer him on.
The Bears’ official X account posted a short clip of the gymnast on the sideline as Owens ran over for a quick kiss and some conversation before kickoff. “@Simone_Biles checkin’ out some Family Fest action,” read the caption.
While many welcomed the wholesome moment, the post quickly drew a wave of negativity. Several users criticized Biles personally, with one harshly commenting,
“She’s overrated as a human being.” This sentiment appeared to echo earlier frustrations that had emerged among certain Bears fans, possibly fueled by off-field controversy and past fashion missteps.
Much of the backlash appears to trace back to an incident earlier in 2024 when Biles attended a Bears game wearing a Green Bay Packers jacket. That decision caused uproar among die-hard Chicago fans, many of whom accused her of disrespecting the team.
Biles addressed the criticism at the time, asking for understanding and urging fans not to read too deeply into her wardrobe. While the storm eventually passed, some fans clearly haven’t forgotten.
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