Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens has been granted a period of absence to enable him to watch wife Simone Biles compete at the Olympic Games.
Owens has been at the Bears’ practice facility over the past week but will be allowed to travel to France from July 29 to August 3 to see gymnast Biles compete.
Asked why he had allowed Owens to miss up to seven practices, Bears coach Matt Eberflus said: “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. We welcome that and it’s going to be awesome. Go USA.”
MADE IT OFFICIAL ☑️@Simone_Biles is headed to her third Olympic Games! #MTUSA | #USAGTrials24 pic.twitter.com/KLR6SVRXnt
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 2, 2024
Biles will be one of the biggest stars competing in Paris.
The 27-year-old is the most decorated gymnast in history having claimed a combined 37 medals in Olympic and World Championship competition.
The four-time Olympic gold medalist at Rio in 2016 will be looking to bounce back from disappointment in Tokyo when she withdrew from all but one final to protect her mental health having admitted she was struggling with the pressure.
She married Owens in 2023 when he played for the Green Bay Packers. He made 17 appearances for the Packers last season before moving to Chicago in March.
He will most likely form a part of the Bears’ special teams this season.
