In a moment that’s created ripples across social media and celebrity commentary, NFL safety Jonathan Owens made headlines—not for a game play, but for a public display with his wife, gymnastics legend Simone Biles. As she stood beside him during a Chicago Bears game, Owens reached over, grabbed her bum, and then proceeded to adjust her custom skirt. That bold, affectionate gesture has spurred commentary, debate, and admiration. What exactly is going on beneath the surface? Let’s unpack the moments, the meaning, and what this says about their relationship dynamics.
The Moment That Broke the Internet
What Actually Happened
During a recent NFL game, Simone was by Jonathan’s side on the field. In a clip shared via Instagram, Owens was pictured with his hand on Simone’s backside, then pulling the fabric of her skirt—its design showcased his own jersey number (No. 36).
The images are intimate yet public. It wasn’t a fleeting tap or casual hug—it was deliberate, affectionate, and performed under stadium lights. The two’s mutual star power intensified the buzz immediately.
Why the Skirt Fixing Matters
Skirt adjustments in public may seem trivial—but when done by a spouse, especially under media scrutiny, it sends layered signals:
-
Possessiveness or protection? By physically adjusting her outfit, he steps into a caretaker role.
-
“I love you, I notice.” The gesture implies attention to detail and affection.
-
Public show of support. In a world where appearances are meticulously managed, this unscripted moment stands out.
The Couple Behind the Headlines
Their Love Story in Brief
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens first connected in 2020 via the dating app Raya. Owens admitted he didn’t initially realize who she was—but their chemistry sparked fast. Over time, admiration deepened, and the couple married in April 2023 in a courthouse ceremony, followed by a lavish celebration in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Owens’ journey is equally compelling—once undrafted, he carved a path through multiple NFL teams before landing with the Chicago Bears. His rise parallels the ascent of one of gymnastics’ greatest.
How They Navigate Dual Spotlight Pressures
Maintaining star-level careers in different sports comes with challenges:
-
Media scrutiny: Every glance, post, or gesture is scrutinized and memed.
-
Geographic strain: Jonathan splits his season in Chicago, while Simone balances training and travel.
-
Support agreements: In a telling move, Owens negotiated time off in his Bears contract to support Simone at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Moments like the “bum grab and skirt fix” may be spontaneous, but they also function as reinforcement—“I see you, I’ve got you.”
Public & Media Reactions
Social Media Response
The clip went viral almost instantly. Fans praised the tenderness, calling it “cute” and “real.” Others dissected the power dynamics—was it romantic, possessive, or performative? The duality of how affection translates online was on full display.
Celebrity and Gossip Commentary
E! News described the moment as “major PDA” and framed it as Owens making sure Simone looked perfect. Meanwhile, tabloids were quick to insert sensational angles, but the couple has so far refrained from denying or explaining it—letting the moment speak.
Love, Power, and PDA in High-Profile Relationships
When PDA Becomes a Message
In celebrity relationships, public displays are often calculated. A kiss, a hand-hold, or even a skirt adjustment carries weight—affection wrapped in branding, loyalty, and defiance.
The Line Between Romantic and Overstepping
It’s a tightrope. What’s endearing to one might feel controlling to another. Key factors that shape perception include:
-
Consent and mutual comfort
-
Context and history
-
Body language and expression
In this case, Simone didn’t resist or recoil—her body language suggested ease and affection. That matters.
What This Gesture Reveals About Their Dynamic
Synchrony and Opposites
They’re both elite athletes, yet their communication styles contrast. Simone is introspective and measured; Jonathan is bold and expressive. His gesture complements her restraint, and vice versa.
Ownership vs. Partnership
Grabbing someone’s body in public can be read as claiming—yet he did it gently, with respect. The skirt fix becomes less claim, more caretaking. It suggests equality, not dominance, when balanced with mutual respect.
Fan Theories & Takeaways
Why It Fueled Conversation
-
It’s raw, unscripted, yet public. People are starving for real moments in a world of polished images.
-
It upends expectations. We expect athletes to be stoic or showboaty—not tender and human.
-
It becomes emblematic. The photo now symbolizes their relationship—the messy, bold, genuine parts.
What We Learn From Watching
-
Love gestures don’t need permission. Sometimes the best moments are spontaneous.
-
Celebrity couples walk a thin line. Every display is a message to fans, critics, and rivals.
-
Respect still matters. What could be misread as clingy or possessive becomes beautiful when empathy is present.
In-Depth: The Anatomy of the Gesture
The Bum Grab
A daring act, but not reckless. It signals physical comfort, intimacy, and ownership—but in their case, it reads as confidence, not arrogance.
The Skirt Fix
It’s a caretaking move. In season, outfits get misaligned. His reaction: “Let me help.” The detail—her skirt bearing his number—makes it symbolic and playful.
Timing & Setting
This happened in front of thousands, under flashing lights. The vulnerability amplifies the impact. It’s not private love—it’s declaration love.
Could It Backfire? Criticism & Risks
Misreading the Moment
Some critics might view it as possessive, reductive, or performative. Without context, the gesture could feed negative narratives about celebrity relationships’ dynamics.
Social Media Distortion
Memes and hot takes will run wild. The moment, once intimate, becomes content—stripped of emotion and distorted by commentary.
Overexposure Risk
When couples use affection to craft narratives, repeated PDA can feel stiff or performative. The challenge: maintain spontaneity amid constant observation.
The Bigger Picture — Gender, Power & Celebrity Culture
Women in the Spotlight
Simone Biles is one of the most decorated gymnasts ever. She constantly fights to define her narrative—her strength, her struggles, her voice. Public gestures from her partner must empower, not overshadow.
Male Display in Love
Men showing vulnerability—touching, adjusting, being seen with their partner—breaks old molds. This kind of visible support is still rare in male-dominated sports culture.
Celebrity Couples as Cultural Barometers
Their relationship becomes more than theirs. Fans, critics, and media see them as templates—how to love, how to coexist under global viewership.
Final Thoughts — Why This Moment Resonates
In a celebrity ecosystem built on curated content, spontaneous authenticity stands out. Jonathan Owens’ bum grab and skirt refix wasn’t just a couple moment—it was a statement. It said:
“I see you. I care. I’ll protect. And I’ll do it publicly.”
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens are navigating not just marriage or fame—but symbolism. Their gestures become novels. And this moment? It’s a short, bold chapter.
Conclusion
In the world of glitz, glam, and gossip, the simplest human acts often speak the loudest. Jonathan Owens’ bold gesture toward Simone Biles—the bum grab, the skirt fix—fused affection, protection, symbolism, and defiance. It wasn’t just love on display; it was narrative-shaping, power-affirming, partnership in action.
They didn’t just spark headlines. They sparked conversation about how we define public romance, consent, and equality in the spotlight. For that, whether you cheer or criticize—the gesture stays indelible.
