Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens is preparing to take leave from training camp next week to support his wife, Simone Biles, in Paris as the star gymnast competes in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
“It was something me and my agent talked about when we went in and I signed with the team,” Owens said of the planned time off during camp, via The Associated Press. “The Olympics coming up and who my wife is, that was just something … it was all respectful. We went to them and just asked, ‘We would really appreciate it if he could go and support his wife,’ and they were really cool about it.
“First-class organization. I just want to thank them so much for allowing me to go over and do that. I can’t wait to be able to support her, and I know my family and my wife, she really appreciates it.”
It is Owens’ first chance to see Biles, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, compete in person in an Olympics.
The Bears initially anticipated Owens missing a week, but the safety clarified that the trip would be shorter. He plans to be gone Monday night (after practice) through Aug. 3. He’ll miss one normal practice session, a walkthrough and the Hall of Fame Game against the Houston Texans. Owens will work out while on his trip and receive videos of all meetings.
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Coach Matt Eberflus said the club had zero qualms about Owens missing time to support his wife.
“Just because we respect the Olympics,” Eberflus said. “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 gonna be awesome. Go USA.”
Owens, who spent last season with the Green Bay Packers, said his new teammates fully support his reason for missing a portion of camp.
“Man, it’s crazy,” Owens said. “It’s like everyone’s a gymnastics fan now. People are asking me questions, because you might be walking around the building and see a commercial with her up there, so it’s just crazy.”
The opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics kicks off Friday at 1:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. local).
