The ever-controversial Antonio Brown has once again caused controversy on social media, this time for mocking Simone Biles and her football-playing husband, Jonathan Owens.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver has been widely criticized for his comments, which quickly went viral on social media for the obscene remark that crossed personal boundaries. The Super Bowl LV winner with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is no stranger to stirring reactions online with his unfiltered posts and he did so again on Tuesday, when he reignited criticism after directing a meme at Biles.
The meme in question depicted a married couple where the wife had a noticeably stronger build than her husband. Brown added the caption: “Simone Biles in 20 years…” The post was quickly interpreted as a dig not only at Biles but also at Owens, suggesting a power imbalance in their relationship. This was not the first time Brown took aim at the couple either. When the Bears faced the Detroit Lions in Week 2 of the NFL season, a pregame clip of Biles kissing Owens for good luck circulated widely on social media. Brown shared the video on X with a crude remark: “Those handj*bs gotta be wild.”
Biles and Owens, who began dating in 2020, have become one of the most visible sports couples in the United States. They announced their engagement in February 2022, with Owens proposing in Houston, and tied the knot in a courthouse wedding in April 2023, finally going on their honeymoon in 2025 once they found a break in their calendars. For many fans, their relationship is a symbol of support and stability, particularly given Biles’ openness about mental health struggles and Owens’ resilience in building his NFL career.
When it comes to controversy, Antonio Brown never seems to miss an opportunity. This time, the former NFL star aimed his online antics at Olympic legend Simone Biles and her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens. His meme, which spread like wildfire across social media, sparked heated debates about respect, sportsmanship, and online trolling. But what really happened? And why did this meme strike such a nerve with fans everywhere?
Who Is Antonio Brown?
A Quick Recap of His Career
Antonio Brown is no stranger to headlines. Once celebrated as one of the most talented wide receivers in the NFL, his career has been marred by controversies, bizarre public stunts, and clashes with teams.
From Star to Scandal Magnet
Brown’s fall from grace has been well-documented. Instead of being remembered for jaw-dropping catches, he’s now associated with viral antics, Twitter feuds, and shock-value memes.
The Meme That Sparked the Outrage
What Did Antonio Brown Post?
Antonio Brown shared a meme that appeared to mock Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens’ relationship, taking aim at both their careers in a cruel, sarcastic way.
Why It Went Viral
In today’s social media culture, memes spread faster than wildfire. With Biles being a household name and Owens an NFL player, the content immediately grabbed attention, triggered shares, and ignited debates.
Why Target Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens?
Simone Biles: America’s Gymnastics Queen
Simone Biles is more than just a gymnast—she’s a global icon, mental health advocate, and one of the most decorated athletes in history. To mock her isn’t just disrespectful—it’s like throwing shade at an entire legacy of resilience and excellence.
Jonathan Owens: More Than “Simone’s Husband”
Owens, though not as famous as Biles, has carved his own career in the NFL. Many online critics often reduce him to being “Mr. Biles,” which is unfair. Brown’s meme fed into this narrative, belittling Owens and undermining his identity as an athlete.
Public Backlash Against Antonio Brown
Fans React with Outrage
Within hours, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok lit up with comments slamming Antonio Brown. Many accused him of crossing the line, bullying, and attention-seeking.
Support for Biles and Owens
Meanwhile, Biles and Owens received an outpouring of love and encouragement from fans. People rallied behind the couple, reminding Brown that mocking others won’t resurrect his career.
The Psychology of Mockery: Why Does Brown Do It?
Attention as Currency
In today’s digital world, attention is gold. Brown thrives on shock value, knowing that controversy keeps him trending.
Deflection and Ego
Some experts suggest that Brown’s constant trolling could be a coping mechanism—a way to deflect from his own failures while inflating his ego.
Memes, Virality, and Celebrity Culture
Why Memes Stick
Memes are the internet’s modern-day tabloids. They’re short, sharp, and easy to share. When a meme involves celebrities, especially beloved ones like Biles, it’s almost guaranteed to go viral.
The Downside of Virality
But virality isn’t always positive. For Brown, the meme gave him the spotlight, but it also cemented his image as an online villain.
Comparisons with Past Controversies
Not His First Rodeo
Brown has previously mocked teammates, coaches, and even NFL management. From bizarre interviews to mid-game walk-offs, he’s built a reputation as football’s wild card.
Patterns of Behavior
This latest meme fits a larger pattern: Antonio Brown seems addicted to pushing boundaries and sparking outrage.
Simone Biles’ Journey of Resilience
Overcoming Mental Health Battles
Biles has been transparent about her struggles with mental health, especially during the Tokyo Olympics. Her story inspired millions worldwide.
Why the Meme Hurts More
Mocking someone who has bravely shared their struggles isn’t just tasteless—it’s like kicking a warrior after the battle.
Jonathan Owens’ Role in the Spotlight
Balancing Love and Career
As Simone’s partner, Owens often finds himself in the spotlight. While proud of his wife, he has also spoken about carving his own identity.
Standing Tall Amid Mockery
Owens has handled criticism with grace before, and this incident is no different. The meme may sting, but it doesn’t define him.
The Power of Fan Communities
Social Media Defenders
Simone Biles’ fanbase, nicknamed the “Biles Army,” quickly came to her defense. Their collective voice showed that toxic trolling won’t drown out positivity.
Why Support Matters
Public support not only shields celebrities from cruelty but also sends a message that cyberbullying won’t be tolerated.
Antonio Brown’s Reputation Problem
A Brand in Freefall
Each controversy chips away at Brown’s reputation. Instead of endorsements or respect, he’s attracting memes about himself.
From Athlete to Internet Troll
It’s a sad reality: a man once known for touchdowns is now known for Twitter drama and viral cruelty.
Lessons from the Meme Incident
For Celebrities
No one is immune to online trolling. Even the most decorated athletes will face critics. The key is to rise above and not engage.
For Fans and the Public
As consumers of content, we must remember that sharing cruel memes gives trolls more power.
The Bigger Conversation: Mental Health and Respect
Why Words Matter
Mockery may seem like harmless fun, but it can leave lasting scars. In an age where mental health is prioritized, celebrities must lead by example.
What Brown Could Learn
Had Brown used his platform to uplift instead of tear down, he could’ve rebuilt his legacy instead of burying it further.
Conclusion
Antonio Brown’s meme mocking Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens wasn’t just another “joke gone wrong.” It was a reminder of the dark side of meme culture—where cruelty becomes entertainment. While Brown may enjoy the temporary spotlight, the long-term impact is clear: his reputation sinks deeper with every viral stunt. Meanwhile, Biles and Owens continue to shine, proving that resilience and grace outlast any meme.
FAQs
1. What did Antonio Brown’s meme about Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens say?
It mocked both their careers and relationship in a sarcastic, demeaning way.
2. How did fans react to Antonio Brown’s post?
Most fans were outraged, defending Biles and Owens while criticizing Brown for being disrespectful.
3. Has Antonio Brown made similar controversial posts before?
Yes, Brown has a long history of controversial statements, feuds, and stunts on social media.
4. Did Simone Biles or Jonathan Owens respond to the meme?
As of now, they have not publicly addressed the meme, letting their fans speak on their behalf.
5. What larger issues does this incident highlight?
It raises questions about cyberbullying, respect for mental health struggles, and the impact of meme culture on public figures.
