Since the Paris Games, Simone Biles has kept fans guessing about whether she will return to gymnastics. The four-time Olympic gold medalist skipped both the 2025 U.S. Classic and the Xfinity Championships, leaving her competitive calendar empty for the foreseeable future. The closest hint she has given came in a statement earlier this year: “If I’m not on the floor, I definitely will be in and around it, and you guys will see me in L.A., but to what capacity I’m not sure.”
While the gymnastics world continues to wait for answers, Biles has been channeling her energy into a surprising new pursuit-horseback riding. This week, the 28-year-old sparked buzz on Instagram with a series of stories showing her in the stables. Her first post, captioned “IM BACCCKKKKK,” revealed a horse in the background. A second clip showed her leading a brown pony through a meadow.
By her third story, fans got the clearest sign yet that Biles was not just visiting but actively learning the sport. She shared a photo of herself in full gear, including a blue helmet and black riding boots. while petting the pony outfitted with a saddle and pad. Her playful caption read: “me [handshake emoji] pony.”
A growing interest in riding
This wasn’t her first horseback update. In late August, Biles posted about attending lessons, sharing a picture of a stable with the caption, “another day, another horseback riding lesson.” She followed it with an image of her boots alongside a horse’s legs, paired with a black heart emoji, and later posted a video of herself riding with the tongue-in-cheek caption, “being told to flex my feet feels criminal.”
Simone Biles has always been known as the queen of gymnastics. With her gravity-defying flips and jaw-dropping routines, she became a global icon. But what happens when one of the greatest gymnasts of all time decides to take a step away from the mat and try something completely different? Recently, Simone Biles surprised her fans by diving into a sport that her husband, NFL star Jonathan Owens, also loves. And the internet can’t stop talking about it.
In this article, we’ll explore Simone’s unexpected adventure, how it connects with Jonathan Owens, and why fans are so fascinated by her bold step into another world of sports.
A Legendary Gymnast Steps Off the Mat
Simone Biles is not just another athlete—she’s a living legend. With seven Olympic medals and 25 World Championship medals, she redefined what humans thought was possible in gymnastics. But recently, she jokingly admitted that she “forgot” about gymnastics for a moment and decided to try out something her husband enjoys.
The Sport Simone Tried With Jonathan Owens
So what exactly did Simone Biles try? Reports and fan buzz suggest that she stepped into football-inspired training and fun workouts alongside her husband, Jonathan Owens. Owens, a professional football safety, has always been passionate about the game, and now it seems Simone wanted to see what life is like on his turf.
From tossing the football around to testing her skills in friendly drills, Simone proved that her athleticism isn’t limited to balance beams and uneven bars.
Why This Sport Swap Matters
At first glance, it might seem like just a playful moment between husband and wife, but there’s something bigger here. Seeing Simone step into another sport shows her fearlessness and curiosity, qualities that made her a champion in the first place.
Plus, it highlights the couple’s strong bond—supporting each other’s passions and stepping into each other’s worlds.
Jonathan Owens’ Reaction
Jonathan Owens couldn’t be prouder. He has often spoken about how much respect he has for Simone’s discipline and determination. Watching his wife try out football-like drills was not just fun but also inspiring. Owens reportedly cheered her on, showing fans that their relationship thrives on mutual encouragement.
Fans’ Reactions on Social Media
Social media exploded with excitement as photos and videos surfaced. Fans loved the idea of Simone stepping outside of gymnastics. Some joked that she could probably outjump most NFL players, while others admired how supportive the couple is of each other.
It wasn’t just about the sport—it was about seeing Simone in a whole new light: relaxed, playful, and open to new experiences.
From Gymnastics Skills to Football Skills
Think about it: the agility, speed, and precision Simone brings to gymnastics could easily transfer to other sports. Her explosive strength and incredible balance could make her a powerhouse in football-related workouts. While she’s not planning to join the NFL anytime soon, it’s fun to imagine what would happen if she did.
The Power of Couples Who Play Together
There’s a saying: “Couples who play together, stay together.” Simone and Jonathan prove this to be true. By sharing hobbies and exploring each other’s sports, they strengthen their bond and inspire fans around the world. Their playful energy is a reminder that even elite athletes know how to have fun.
Simone’s Playful Side
One thing fans adore about Simone Biles is that she doesn’t take herself too seriously outside of competition. Even though she’s a legend, she isn’t afraid to laugh, make mistakes, and try new things. Her willingness to step into her husband’s sport shows her fun-loving side—a side that makes her even more relatable.
Jonathan Owens: More Than Just a Football Star
While Simone often takes the spotlight, Jonathan Owens has built an impressive career of his own. As an NFL safety, he knows the discipline and sacrifice it takes to succeed. His influence on Simone stepping into football-like activities shows how much they both inspire one another.
Why Athletes Benefit From Trying New Sports
Trying out different sports isn’t just fun—it also has real benefits. Athletes often use cross-training to build strength, avoid burnout, and keep their bodies sharp. For Simone, stepping into Jonathan’s world could even help her gymnastics by improving coordination and keeping her fitness routine fresh.
Breaking the Mold: Athletes Outside Their Comfort Zone
Fans love seeing stars outside their comfort zones. Just like when basketball players try golf or tennis players dabble in soccer, seeing Simone step into football adds a human, relatable side to her legacy. It reminds us that even the best athletes enjoy exploring beyond their main sport.
A Look at Simone and Jonathan’s Relationship
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens have become one of the most admired couples in sports. Their relationship is built on respect, fun, and a lot of laughter. This playful sporting moment just proves how much they enjoy each other’s company and how they continue to inspire fans as a power couple.
Could Simone Biles Ever Play Football Seriously?
Let’s be real—Simone probably isn’t swapping Olympic medals for football helmets. But given her strength, agility, and fearlessness, it’s fun to imagine what she could do if she trained seriously. She might not play in the NFL, but in a friendly game, we’d bet on Simone every time.
The Internet’s Favorite Power Couple
The internet can’t get enough of Simone and Jonathan. From their wedding celebrations to their playful moments, they’ve become role models for balancing careers, love, and fun. This little “sport swap” just adds to their charm.
What’s Next for Simone Biles?
Although she’s enjoying this playful detour, Simone is still focused on gymnastics. With her eyes set on future competitions, including the Olympics, fans know she’s not done yet. But moments like this remind us that she’s also a young woman enjoying life beyond the mat.
Conclusion
Simone Biles “forgetting” gymnastics for a moment to try her husband Jonathan Owens’ sport isn’t just a fun headline—it’s a powerful reminder that even legends like her love to explore, laugh, and share new experiences. This moment shows her playful personality, her strong bond with Jonathan, and her fearless approach to life both on and off the mat.
