In a double athlete household, Jonathan Owens declares Simone Biles the winner! While on the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year red carpet earlier this month, the couple answered a series of rapid fire questions — and when it comes to whose the best athlete among the two stars, Owens, 29, said his wife easily comes out on top. The Chicago Bears safety quickly pointed at the 7-time Olympic gold medalist when asked who among them is the better athlete, adding, “I’m not doing no backflips. Nah,” as both of them burst into laughter.
When it comes to who is the better cheerleader, SI’s next question, Biles immediately pointed to her husband. “Jonathan, he knows more and he really pays attention,” she said, before explaining her less-than-attentive football-watching habits. “After the first half, I lose track of the game.” “She’ll hear everybody else yelling and she’ll be like, ‘What happened,’ ” Owens joked, while spinning his head around. “But you know, it’s the thought that counts, I love it.” Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
When the NFL Meets the GOAT
What happens when one of the world’s greatest gymnasts marries a professional football player? You get a power couple with mutual respect—and a lot of laughs. Recently, Simone Biles’ husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, publicly declared that his Olympic-champion wife is the superior athlete. His reasoning? “I’m not doing no backflips!”
It’s the kind of wholesome, humorous, and humble moment that fans can’t get enough of. But beneath the viral quote lies a deeper look at athletic excellence, love, and mutual admiration.
Let’s dive into this candid moment that made headlines—and hearts—around the world.
Who Is Simone Biles?
The Gymnastics Icon
Simone Biles is widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time. With 33 Olympic and World Championship medals, she’s rewritten the record books and redefined what’s possible in gymnastics.
Beyond the Medals
Biles is also known for advocating mental health, taking a courageous stand during the Tokyo Olympics that reminded the world athletes are human first.
Meet Jonathan Owens
NFL Safety & Simone’s Biggest Fan
Jonathan Owens plays in the NFL, most recently for the Chicago Bears. While his professional career has been notable, he’s gained extra attention for being the supportive, grounded husband of Simone Biles.
How They Met
The couple met via a dating app in 2020, and their relationship blossomed during the pandemic. Fast forward to 2023, and they tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony.
The Viral Moment That Had Fans Cheering
The Humble Admission
During a candid interview, Owens didn’t hesitate to declare:
“She’s the better athlete in the relationship. I’m not doing no backflips.”
Why This Resonated
It wasn’t just a cute quote—it was a rare moment of public humility and praise in a world where egos often dominate. Owens gave credit where credit is due, and fans loved every second of it.
Breaking Down the Athletic Comparison
Gymnastics vs. Football
Let’s be real. Football and gymnastics are two totally different beasts:
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Gymnastics demands extreme flexibility, aerial awareness, balance, and precision.
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Football requires brute strength, agility, and tactical smarts under pressure.
But when it comes to overall physical difficulty, many experts argue gymnastics takes the cake.
The Backflip Benchmark
Backflips aren’t just for show—they symbolize elite athleticism, body control, and mental sharpness. Owens’ refusal to even attempt one is a funny, honest way of saying, “Simone’s on another level.”
Fans React to the Sweet Exchange
Social Media Eruption
As expected, fans on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter (X) had a field day:
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“Finally, a man who knows his wife is the GOAT!”
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“He’s got the NFL, but she’s got the moonwalk on a balance beam.”
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“Couple goals. Period.”
Why People Love It
This moment wasn’t just funny—it was refreshing. In a world full of competition, Jonathan showed that love, support, and honesty go a long way.
The Power Couple Dynamic
Mutual Support Is the Real MVP
Both Simone and Jonathan constantly support each other’s careers. From sideline cheers to Instagram shoutouts, their relationship is rooted in admiration and encouragement.
Balancing Fame and Love
While Simone’s fame often overshadows Jonathan’s, he embraces it. Instead of rivalry, they’ve chosen teamwork, making them a shining example of modern love.
Redefining Masculinity in Sports
Confidence in Vulnerability
Owens’ playful comment also reflects a shift in what it means to be masculine in sports. Admitting your partner outshines you doesn’t make you weak—it shows confidence, maturity, and humility.
More Than Machismo
Gone are the days when male athletes needed to “outdo” their partners. Owens flips the script—pun intended—by letting his wife shine unapologetically.
A Lesson in Humility for Everyone
Letting Others Shine
Too often, people get caught up in one-upping each other. Jonathan Owens reminds us that being secure in who you are means you can lift others up, especially those you love.
Cheering from the Sidelines Matters
Sometimes, the greatest strength lies not in flexing your own achievements but in celebrating someone else’s.
The Media Loves the Couple—And So Do We
Consistent Headlines
This isn’t the first time Simone and Jonathan made headlines for their love and respect. Their wedding photos, vacation posts, and red carpet appearances always make waves online.
Why Their Story Inspires
They’re both elite athletes, but they don’t compete with each other. They complement one another. That’s the magic.
Simone’s Response to Jonathan’s Comment
Playful Banter & Big Smiles
Simone laughed off the comment with her trademark charm. She’s always been grounded and grateful—and she appreciates having a husband who genuinely respects her craft.
A Relationship Built on Laughter
That one-liner from Jonathan? Just one of many jokes they share. Their relationship is full of laughter, trust, and shared values.
When Love and Sports Collide
Not All Couples Compete
While some couples try to outdo one another, Simone and Jonathan out-love each other. And that’s why they win—even off the field.
A Reminder That Being Real Is Relatable
Honesty Wins Every Time
Jonathan’s quote works because it’s honest. No fluff, no bravado—just a real man giving his wife her flowers.
Conclusion: Celebrating More Than Just Medals
In a world obsessed with stats and standings, this simple statement—“I’m not doing no backflips”—cut through the noise. Jonathan Owens didn’t just praise Simone’s talent; he honored the dedication, discipline, and courage behind it.
Their relationship is a modern fairytale grounded in mutual respect, laughter, and a whole lot of admiration. Whether it’s Simone soaring through the air or Jonathan holding it down on the field, one thing’s clear: they’re both champions—in sports and in love.
FAQs
1. What did Jonathan Owens say about Simone Biles?
He said Simone is the better athlete in their relationship and added humorously, “I’m not doing no backflips!”
2. Are Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens married?
Yes! The couple tied the knot in 2023 and have been melting hearts with their love story ever since.
3. What sport does Jonathan Owens play?
Jonathan Owens is a professional American football player and plays as a safety in the NFL.
4. Why did Jonathan Owens’ quote go viral?
It was a mix of honesty, humor, and humility—showing deep admiration for Simone Biles while keeping it real.
5. How do Simone and Jonathan support each other?
From social media shoutouts to sideline cheers, both are vocal and visible supporters of each other’s athletic careers.
