Key Highlights:
- Simone Biles made a surprise appearance at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to support husband Jonathan Owens and the Indianapolis Colts against the Washington Commanders.
- The international trip comes shortly after Biles announced plans to skip away games this season to focus on her own weekend work schedule.
- Biles and Owens continued their signature pregame sideline ritual, reinforcing their reciprocal support system across high-profile sports.
Simone Biles Makes London Exception for Jonathan Owens
Simone Biles, the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history, surprised spectators on Sunday by traveling overseas to attend the Indianapolis Colts’ international matchup against the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Her presence at the venue served as an exception to her recently stated decision to limit her travel footprint and avoid away games throughout Jonathan Owens’ current NFL campaign.
Ahead of kickoff, Simone Biles embraced method dressing in London with a special touch for Jonathan Owens. She appeared directly on the sideline, where the couple shared their traditional pregame kiss. The London appearance drew immediate attention given that Biles had outlined her intent to step back from the taxing NFL away schedule only days prior.
This year I’m not going to travel to the away games,
Biles told Us Weekly. Last year was the first year I went to every single game. It was very difficult. I wanted to be there and support him because he is always there for me.
Balancing Professional Commitments and Sideline Superstitions
Biles had elaborated on the personal toll of managing constant travel while simultaneously honoring her own demanding athletic and promotional schedule. Reflecting on her commitment to following Owens across the league during the prior campaign, she shared her decision to pace herself this fall.
I really wanted to be there and compete throughout the whole season. So I did,
she said. Honey, this year I’m staying home so I can keep working those weekends [on tour].
Despite that declared rule, the international showcase in the United Kingdom prompted an exception, allowing Biles to participate in a ritual established earlier in Owens’ NFL journey, including during his stint with the Chicago Bears. Biles has detailed how integral that brief connection is for the defensive back before entering competition.
He always looks for me on the sideline so I can give him, let’s say, good vibes and wish him good luck,
Biles told Olympics.com. It’s just a superstition of his.
The Logistical Demands of Family Support
Managing travel logistics surrounding NFL weekends often requires dedicated organization, especially when larger family groups assemble. Biles previously explained that hosting relatives and acquaintances often falls under her watch so Owens can remain locked in on game preparation and recovery.
When family and friends come to watch Jonathan at the games, that’s my schedule,
she said. You have to keep them entertained so Jonathan can keep recovering, get to meetings on time and relax as much as possible.
Why This Matters
The couple’s visible presence at marquee sports spectacles highlights how elite athletes navigate high-profile, dual-career marriages across different professional sports leagues. During the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Jonathan Owens secured an exemption from training camp duties to watch Biles capture gold medals in the individual all-around, vault, and team events.
Reflecting on that dynamic, Biles emphasized how meaningful their ongoing mutual encouragement remains. Oh my gosh! It means so much to me,
she said. And I know it means so much to him that I can go support him at his games.
While Biles plans to spend the vast majority of Owens’ away weekends prioritizing her commitments at home, the high-stakes environment of London provided an exception that kept their sideline tradition intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Simone Biles announce she would not attend NFL road games this season?
Yes. Simone Biles revealed to Us Weekly that she planned to stay home during away games this year to focus on her weekend work and tour obligations, noting that attending every game during the prior season was very difficult to balance.
Why was Simone Biles on the sideline in London?
Simone Biles traveled to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to support Jonathan Owens during the Indianapolis Colts’ international contest against the Washington Commanders, continuing their personal pregame tradition of meeting on the sideline for good luck.
Did Jonathan Owens take time off to support Simone Biles during the 2024 Olympics?
Yes. Jonathan Owens traveled to Paris during the 2024 Olympic Games to cheer for Biles as she earned three gold medals, demonstrating the couple’s mutual approach to traveling for major career milestones.
