Simone Biles is basking in the joys of married life. The Olympic gold medalist tied the knot with Jonathan Owens on April 22, 2023, in a courthouse ceremony in Houston. A few weeks later, they celebrated with a grand wedding in Mexico.
Since their romance began in March 2020, Owens has been Biles’ steadfast supporter, particularly during her challenging decision to withdraw from several events at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. In October 2023, Biles discussed with “Today” hosts Savannah Guthrie and
Hoda Kotb how her outlook on gymnastics has evolved since overcoming mental health issues and getting married. “Gymnastics is something I have the privilege of doing,” she shared. “It’s not the end all be all anymore. I get to go home to my husband, to my dogs, to my house and all the things. So it feels really good.”
Who is Jonathan Owens?
Jonathan Owens hails from St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Christian Brothers College High School, where he played high school football. After graduating, he played college football at Missouri Western State University, earning the title of Male Student-Athlete of the Year during his final season.
Owens signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent after the 2018 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, a knee injury during a practice drill sidelined him before his rookie season even began. “I’m just lying on the ground crying because I don’t even know how that works. I’m thinking, I came all the way here and got hurt,” he recounted to News-Press Now in July 2019. Initially placed on injured reserve, Owens was eventually waived in August 2019.
Jonathan Owens’ NFL Career
In March 2024, Jonathan Owens signed a two-year free-agent contract with the Chicago Bears after stints with the Green Bay Packers and the Houston Texans. “Appreciate it @packers for the opportunity. And Packer nation for welcoming me and my wife with open arms, will never forget my time in GB,” Owens expressed on Twitter.
Biles frequently attends her husband’s NFL games, and she relished the opportunity to support him in person after the 2020 Olympic Games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2022, Biles showed her support by appearing in a celebrity-filled video ahead of the 2022-23 football season, flipping through the gym in a Houston Texans jersey.
Meeting on a Dating App
Biles and Owens met on the dating app Raya in 2020, with Biles making the first move. “He would say I slid into his DMs,” Biles told WSJ. Magazine in July 2021. “I saw him, and I was like, ‘Oh, he’s pretty cute,’ so I said hi … and then I saw that he was in the Houston area, so we started chatting a little bit, and then we went to hang out a week or two later.” Their relationship grew slowly until Biles’ sister invited Owens to join them on a trip to a lake house.
The pandemic allowed them to spend more time together and strengthen their bond. “It was one of the few times in her life where everything was just shut off and she couldn’t do anything,” Owens told Texas Monthly in June 2021. “So we used it to get to know each other — really get to know each other. It created our bond and made it stronger. Now I’m so thankful.”
Owens’ First Impression of Biles
Despite Biles’ fame as the most decorated American gymnast of all time, Owens didn’t immediately recognize her. “I didn’t know who she was,” he told Texas Monthly. “I just hadn’t heard of her, and when I told her that, that’s one of the things she liked.” Owens was impressed by Biles’ dedication to her sport.
“Her work ethic was the first thing that caught my eye. I’d never watched gymnastics before, when I first met her I honestly didn’t know who she was … The coolest thing for me is that I get to witness someone who is literally at the pinnacle of their sport, it’s motivating just to see that and the impact that she has on people,” he said.
A Family-Oriented Athlete
Family is paramount to Owens, who frequently shares photos and videos of his mother, sister, and other family members on Instagram. In a since-deleted post, Owens credited his sister for encouraging him to play football. “Happy birthday sis! Who knows where I’d be if you didn’t force me to start playing football,”
he captioned. “It’s crazy how close we are even though we’re 11 years apart, Imma keep making you proud! Love you sis.” Owens also praised his mother in another post, calling her his “biggest fan and supporter” and thanking her for everything she has taught him.
Mutual Support in Their Careers
Despite their different sports, Biles and Owens share a mutual understanding of the demands of being professional athletes. Biles told PEOPLE in 2021, “Oh, he’s always so supportive. Even if I wake up in the morning and I’m like, ‘I’m tired, do I have to go,’ jokingly, he’s like ‘Don’t say that! You can do it, this is your dream!'”
Owens reciprocates this support, telling Texas Monthly that Biles constantly motivates him. “She’ll be telling me, ‘Don’t be a baby, you’re all right.’ We’re both super competitive,” he shared. “When I see her getting up and going to practice every morning, it motivates me even more. It’s a great feeling when the person you’re in a relationship with understands what you’re going through.”
When Biles received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in July 2022, Owens was there to cheer her on. “Words can’t explain how proud I am of you,” he wrote on Instagram. “This has been such a surreal experience to watch you receive your Presidential Medal of Freedom, and be the youngest to ever receive one at that!”
In August 2023, Owens supported Biles as she competed at the U.S. Classics, her first competition since the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. “So damn proud of you baby ❤️❤️❤️,” he commented on her Instagram post. “Makes my day seeing you so happy and back doing what you love, and having FUN!!! I love you so much 🤞🏽.” Owens also celebrated Biles’ first-place finish at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics team trials, securing her spot in Paris, cheering enthusiastically during her routine.
A Lifelong Partnership
On Owens’ 26th birthday in 2021, Biles celebrated her husband on Instagram, calling him her “favorite person” and thanking him for keeping her “sane during the craziest times.” “Not sure how I got so lucky & what I’d do without you! But I hope you have the best day ever. Not too much fun without me tho hahaha. Forever yours, S,” she wrote.
The Wedding Celebrations
On April 22, 2023, Owens and Biles exchanged vows in an intimate courthouse ceremony. “My person, forever ❤️💍,” the NFL player captioned a series of wedding images on Instagram. Biles commented, “i love you husband.” The Olympic gymnast dazzled in a halter-style wedding dress with tiered tulle, while Owens donned a tan suit. The couple planned a second wedding a few weeks later. “We had to get married ‘legally’ here in the U.S. since our wedding will be a destination wedding,” Biles explained on Instagram.
The Extravagant Second Wedding
On May 6, 2023, Biles and Owens celebrated their marriage again in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The Olympic gymnast wore four different dresses for the occasion, while Owens was dressed in a tan-colored suit and bowtie. The ceremony at the Umi Terrace of the Nobu Los Cabos was attended by 144 guests and featured lush florals and champagne, gold, and white décor. In an interview with Vogue, Biles described her nervous excitement.
“My heart was beating out of my chest,” she recalled. “I’ve never been so nervous before in my life.” Seeing Owens at the altar was a dream come true for her. “Our guests were cheering for everyone. I was shocked by the love in the air. The ceremony was so beautiful and dreamy.”
Biles’ Soulmate
To celebrate Owens’ 28th birthday in 2023, Biles shared another sweet term for her husband: her “soulmate.” “Happy birthday to my soulmate 🤍🎂 I can’t wait to see what this year has to offer you, you deserve it all & more! Cheers to you husband!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jonathan Owens?
Jonathan Owens is an NFL player currently signed with the Chicago Bears. He hails from St. Louis, Missouri, and played college football at Missouri Western State University.
How did Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens meet?
Biles and Owens met on the dating app Raya in 2020, with Biles making the first move. Their relationship grew stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is Jonathan Owens’ job?
Jonathan Owens is a professional football player. He signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears in March 2024 after playing for the Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans.
When did Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens get married?
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens got married on April 22, 2023, in a courthouse ceremony in Houston, followed by a second wedding on May 6, 2023, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
How do Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens support each other?
Biles and Owens support each other through their respective sports careers by providing motivation, attending each other’s events, and celebrating each other’s achievements. Their mutual understanding as professional athletes strengthens their bond.