Simone Biles, the world’s most decorated gymnast, traded her competition leotard for a professional camera lens on Sunday night. During the Chicago Bears’ primetime matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, Biles appeared on the sidelines not as a spectator, but as a fully credential photographer.
Simone Biles has done it all—or so we thought. Olympic gold medals? Check. Record-breaking routines? Absolutely. Global stardom? Without question. But now, the most decorated gymnast of all time has added NFL sideline photographer to her ever-expanding résumé.
Yes, you read that right. Simone Biles served as a credentialed photographer, documenting her husband Jonathan Owens and the Chicago Bears from the sidelines of Levi’s Stadium, and the internet can’t stop talking about it.
This wasn’t just a cute cameo or a casual snapshot moment. This was a powerful blend of sports, love, artistry, and access—one that gave fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at the NFL through the eyes of an elite athlete who understands competition better than most. So how did this moment happen, and why does it matter so much? Let’s dive in.
From Olympic Arenas to NFL Sidelines
A Natural Evolution for a Multi-Talented Icon
Simone Biles is no stranger to pressure-packed environments. Olympic arenas, world championships, and global stages have been her second home for over a decade. So stepping onto the NFL sidelines wasn’t exactly foreign territory—it was just a new angle.
This time, instead of chalked hands and gravity-defying flips, Biles carried a professional camera, capturing the raw intensity of an NFL game from one of the most exclusive vantage points in sports.
And let’s be honest—if anyone understands timing, focus, and precision, it’s Simone Biles.
Why Simone Biles Was Credentialed as a Photographer
Not Just a Celebrity Pass—A Legitimate Role
This wasn’t a VIP photo-op. Simone Biles was officially credentialed, meaning she met league and stadium requirements to work as a photographer on the field. That’s a big deal in the NFL, where access is tightly controlled.
Her role allowed her to move freely along the sidelines, documenting moments that fans rarely see—pre-game rituals, in-game intensity, and emotional snapshots of players locked into battle.
Jonathan Owens and the Chicago Bears Connection
Love, Support, and Shared Athletic DNA
At the heart of this story is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles’ husband and a safety for the Chicago Bears. Their relationship has always been rooted in mutual respect, discipline, and elite-level performance.
By photographing Owens and his teammates, Simone wasn’t just capturing football moments—she was telling a personal story. One athlete documenting another, through a lens shaped by years of sacrifice and triumph.
That emotional depth? You can’t fake it.
Levi’s Stadium: The Perfect Backdrop
Where Football Meets Visual Drama
Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, is known for its sleek design, dramatic lighting, and electric atmosphere. For a photographer, it’s a dream canvas.
Simone Biles used this iconic setting to frame powerful images—helmets gleaming under stadium lights, sideline huddles filled with intensity, and split-second moments that define NFL games.
Simone Biles’ Unique Perspective as an Athlete
Why Her Photos Feel Different
What sets Simone Biles apart as a photographer isn’t technical gear—it’s empathy. She knows what it feels like to stand on the edge of greatness. She understands nerves, focus, and the quiet moments before chaos erupts.
That athlete-to-athlete understanding translates into photos that feel alive. You’re not just seeing football—you’re feeling it.
The Internet Reacts: Fans Can’t Get Enough
Social Media Buzz and Viral Moments
Once word got out, social media exploded. Fans praised Simone for her versatility, creativity, and support for Jonathan Owens. Comments poured in calling her “iconic,” “multitalented,” and “unreal.”
Some fans even joked that Simone Biles could probably dominate sports photography the same way she dominated gymnastics.
Honestly? They’re not wrong.
Breaking Stereotypes: Athletes Can Be More Than One Thing
Redefining What Success Looks Like
Simone Biles stepping into photography sends a powerful message: you don’t have to stay in one box. You can evolve. You can explore. You can be curious.
For young athletes—especially women—this moment matters. It shows that identity doesn’t end when the competition clock stops.
Photography as Storytelling, Not Just Content
Capturing Emotion Over Action
Anyone can photograph a tackle. But capturing the emotion after a missed play? The silent focus before kickoff? The bond between teammates?
That’s storytelling. And Simone Biles understands storytelling because she’s lived it.
Behind-the-Scenes Access Fans Rarely See
A New Way to Experience the NFL
Photos taken by Simone offered fans something special: authenticity. Not staged. Not overproduced. Just real moments from the sidelines.
It’s the kind of content fans crave in an era where authenticity beats perfection every time.
Could Simone Biles Pursue Photography Long-Term?
A Passion Project with Big Potential
Is this the start of a new career path? Maybe. Maybe not. But one thing is clear—Simone has the eye, the access, and the credibility to make waves in sports photography if she chooses to.
And if history tells us anything, when Simone Biles commits to something, she excels.
The Power of Supportive Partnerships
When Love and Careers Intersect
This moment wasn’t just about photography or football—it was about partnership. Simone supporting Jonathan, Jonathan inspiring Simone. Two elite athletes lifting each other up.
That’s the kind of relationship energy fans love to see.
What This Moment Says About Simone Biles’ Legacy
More Than Medals and Records
Simone Biles’ legacy was already secure. But moments like this add texture. They show her humanity, creativity, and willingness to explore life beyond competition.
She’s not just the greatest gymnast of all time—she’s a storyteller, a supporter, and a symbol of modern athletic identity.
Why Brands and Media Are Paying Attention
A Marketing and Cultural Goldmine
Let’s be real—this moment checks every box: authenticity, star power, cross-sport appeal, and emotional storytelling. Brands love that. Media loves that. Fans love that.
Simone Biles doesn’t chase relevance. Relevance follows her.
A New Chapter Written from the Sidelines
Sometimes the Best Stories Are Told Off the Field
By stepping behind the camera, Simone Biles reminded us that impact isn’t limited to performance. Sometimes, it’s about perspective.
And from the sidelines of Levi’s Stadium, her perspective was unforgettable.
Conclusion: Simone Biles Proves Greatness Has Many Angles
Simone Biles serving as a credentialed photographer for Jonathan Owens and the Chicago Bears wasn’t just a headline—it was a statement. A reminder that greatness evolves, creativity matters, and support can be powerful.
From Olympic arenas to NFL sidelines, Simone continues to inspire—not by staying the same, but by daring to try something new.
And honestly? We can’t wait to see what she does next.
