Simone Biles husband Jonathan Owens’ game tonight just got way more interesting as Olympic legend takes on surprising new role on sideline

Gymnastics legend Simone Biles is stepping into an entirely new role tonight as she joins the Chicago Bears sideline to serve as an official NFL guest photographer during the Week 17 Sunday Night Football showdown against the San Francisco 49ers. The Olympic champion won’t just be cheering from the stands—she’ll be capturing the action up close with a camera in hand as her husband, safety Jonathan Owens, takes the field at Levi’s Stadium in a crucial playoff-race matchup.

Simone Biles Takes New Role as NFL Guest Photographer

In a groundbreaking moment for sports entertainment, Simone Biles swaps her usual VIP seating for a position on the Bears sideline tonight. The 11-time Olympic medal winner received the special assignment to capture photographs during the high-stakes Week 17 game against the San Francisco 49ers. This unique opportunity allows the gymnastics icon to experience football from an entirely new perspective while staying close to her husband’s game.

The move represents a creative way for Biles to engage with her husband’s professional career in sports. Rather than simply sitting in the stands, she’ll be working as part of the NBC production team, documenting key moments on the field. The Sunday Night Football broadcast will feature her photographs throughout the game, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the action.

Jonathan Owens’ Journey with the Chicago Bears

Jonathan Owens signed with the Chicago Bears in March 2024 on a two-year contract after previous stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, and Green Bay Packers. The 29-year-old safety has appeared in all four games this season and plays primarily on special teams for the Bears’ secondary. His addition to the roster strengthened the defensive back group for the franchise.

In 2025, Owens earns a $1.36 million base salary plus a $100,000 workout bonus, according to Spotrac. The veteran defender brings professional experience from multiple NFL organizations and has been a reliable contributor for Chicago’s defense. Tonight’s game marks another opportunity for Owens to impact the matchup against the 49ers.

The Power Couple Behind the Game

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens represent one of sports’ most prominent power couples. The duo met in 2020 through the exclusive dating app Raya and quickly developed a strong connection. Biles famously revealed that she knew she would marry Owens after their first date, sensing an immediate bond between them. They became engaged less than two years after meeting, moving swiftly toward commitment.

The couple exchanged vows on April 22, 2023, during an intimate courthouse ceremony in Houston, Texas. Just two weeks later, they celebrated with a destination wedding in Cabo, Mexico, where Biles wore a custom wedding gown designed by Galia Lahav. According to Sports Illustrated, the power couple defined what it means to be a modern sports partnership in 2025, splitting their time between Biles’ gymnastics appearances and Owens’ NFL commitments.

What Tonight’s Game Means for Both Teams?

The Week 17 matchup between the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers carries significant playoff implications for both franchises. The Bears are battling for positioning in the NFC North division, while the 49ers aim to solidify their standing as one of the NFC’s top contenders. Every game at this stage of the season impact seeding and home-field advantage in the postseason tournament.

The Sunday Night Football broadcast promises compelling football action, with Caleb Williams leading the Bears offense against Brock Purdy and the 49ers defense. The presence of Simone Biles on the sideline adds an extra layer of celebrity intrigue to tonight’s telecast, drawing casual viewers alongside football enthusiasts. Levi’s Stadium will host one of the most talked-about games of the regular season.

“Simone Biles will swap her usual VIP suite for the sideline to become the NFL’s ‘guest photographer’ during tonight’s Bears-49ers Sunday Night Football game.”

— Daily Mail, Sports Coverage

Could Simone Biles’ Presence Impact the Game’s Atmosphere?

Biles’ appearance on the sideline undoubtedly elevates the profile of tonight’s matchup beyond typical Week 17 coverage. Her status as an Olympic icon and multi-medal-winning athlete brings mainstream media attention to the game. The 49ers and Bears will both feel the added energy that comes with hosting one of sports’ most recognizable figures.

Fans tuning into Sunday Night Football tonight will experience a unique broadcast featuring photographs captured by Biles herself. The curiosity factor alone—watching an Olympic gymnast document NFL action—creates conversation across social media platforms. Whether this special assignment becomes a recurring opportunity remains to be seen, but it represents an innovative way to merge celebrity culture with professional sports coverage.

Sources

• Bleacher Report – Breaking news about Simone Biles’ guest photographer role
• Daily Mail – Coverage of the surprise sideline assignment
• Spotrac – Jonathan Owens contract and salary information