Simone Biles made quite the impression at Soldier Field last Saturday when she attended the Chicago Bears’ preseason game to cheer on her husband, Jonathan Owens. While her presence was a highlight for fans, it was her choice of attire that became the talk of the stadium.
Biles, the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history, sported a jacket that featured images of Owens, which on the surface, seemed like a sweet nod to her husband. However, the jacket sparked a surprising controversy—it prominently displayed Owens in his former Green Bay Packers uniform.
Owens, who played for the Packers last season, had an impressive year with 84 tackles, three pass break-ups, and a forced fumble. Unfortunately, the sight of their team’s archrival’s uniform at Soldier Field didn’t sit well with Bears fans.
Bears supporters were quick to point out the faux pas, reminding Biles that wearing anything related to the Packers, intentional or not, is a big no-no in Chicago. The Packers-Bears rivalry is one of the oldest and fiercest in the NFL, and to many, her jacket was seen as disrespectful to the home team’s legacy.
Interestingly, Biles had been warned about her outfit choice before the game. A friend had advised her to rethink the jacket, a moment that was captured and aired on this week’s episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” “I would be taking that jacket off if I were you,” her friend cautioned via People, clearly aware of the potential backlash.
Despite the warning, Biles decided to keep the jacket on, seemingly unfazed by the possible reactions. Over the past few months, Biles has made it clear that she’s not easily swayed by internet trolls or public opinion, and this situation was no exception.
That said, as the NFL season progresses, it might be wise for Biles to consider adding some Bears gear to her wardrobe, especially if she plans on attending more games at Soldier Field.
It’s clear that while her loyalty to her husband is admirable, navigating the passionate world of NFL fandom requires a bit of team spirit—at least when it comes to game day attire.
