Total Pro Sports
For days, Simone Biles took the heat alone. The Olympic legend stirred up a firestorm after a heated exchange with OutKick contributor Riley Gaines over transgender inclusion in women’s sports.
As the debate exploded across social media, many fans noticed one person who stayed noticeably silent- Biles’ husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens.
But on Tuesday, Owens finally made it clear where he stands. With a quiet but powerful move, he took a screenshot of Biles’ public apology and shared it on his Instagram Story, adding three white heart emojis. No long caption, no speech, just a simple gesture of solidarity that spoke volumes.
Biles and Gaines clashed after Biles criticized Gaines for her activism, suggesting she stop “bullying” the trans community and instead “uplift” them. “Straight up sore loser,” Biles tweeted at Gaines. She also floated the idea of creating a transgender category in sports as a possible solution. Her comments drew sharp backlash online, with critics accusing her of disregarding fairness in women’s athletics.
@Riley_Gaines_ You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser. You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender… https://t.co/pjpzuZ0AlO
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) June 6, 2025
By Tuesday, Biles took a different tone. In a follow-up post on X, she clarified her stance, acknowledging the complexities of balancing competitive equity and inclusion. “It didn’t help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for,” Biles wrote. “These are sensitive, complicated issues that I truly don’t have the answers or solutions to, but I believe it starts with empathy and respect.”
Owens didn’t issue a formal statement. Instead, he backed his wife in the most personal way, by publicly acknowledging her vulnerability and echoing her words through his platform. The couple has been together since 2020 and got married in 2023. Their bond has remained strong through public highs and controversies alike.
Earlier in 2024, Owens left Bears training camp temporarily to support Biles during the Summer Olympics. “My wife is a warrior,” he told reporters at the time. “I’m just so happy and proud for her.”
Owens’ quiet show of support on Tuesday carried that same energy- unwavering, loyal, and grounded in their shared belief in each other. Amid all the noise, his message landed with clarity that he’s standing by Simone, no matter what.
Also Read: Simone Biles Issues Apology To Riley Gaines
