Once celebrated as the NFL’s “it couple,” Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens are now facing unexpected backlash. From viral sideline moments to social media criticism, fans have turned on Biles amid controversy. Her public feud with Riley Gaines may be fueling the fallout as her NFL support takes a surprising hit. From viral sideline sweetheart to polarizing figure on Bears turf
Not long ago, Simone Biles was hailed as the gold standard of NFL WAGs (wives and girlfriends), captivating fans with her heartfelt sideline moments alongside husband Jonathan Owens, now a Chicago Bears safety. In December 2024, she was praised for her warm embrace and playful handshake with Owens before a Bears game, a viral moment that had fans dubbing them the “real MVP couple,” even above the media-favorite Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. But fast forward to the Bears’ Family Fest on August 3, 2025, and the narrative around Biles has taken a sharp turn. Although the couple shared another affectionate pregame interaction, the public reaction was jarringly different. Fans who once celebrated Biles turned hostile, criticizing everything from her fashion choices to her very presence. One commenter asked, “She hasn’t been fully canceled yet?” while another bluntly called her “overrated as a human being.”
The sudden shift in public sentiment may trace back to Simone Biles’ public clash with Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and outspoken conservative voice on women’s sports. The feud, which played out on social media and cable networks, polarized audiences and cast Biles in a political spotlight she hadn’t occupied before. Now, some NFL fans appear to be taking sides—against her. While there’s no concrete evidence that her dispute with Gaines triggered the backlash at Family Fest, it seems to have intensified the public’s scrutiny. Critics even mocked her for not wearing Bears gear, suggesting she was stealing the spotlight. “She’s not even a real fan,” one user joked, pointing out her neutral outfit.
From America’s sweetheart to NFL target. Simone Biles may be used to pressure from years of elite competition, but this type of fan revolt marks new territory. The internet has turned on the Olympic icon with alarming speed—transforming her from NFL darling to divisive figure. As one social media user harshly put it, “She used to represent strength. Now she just wants attention.”
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For Biles, the next few months could be a defining chapter—not in gymnastics, but in navigating a more unforgiving side of NFL fandom. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Get all the trending City News, India News, Business News, and Sports News. For Entertainment News, TV News, and Lifestyle Tips, visit Etimes.
When Icons Collide
What happens when two fierce women from different worlds clash online? Drama. And lots of it. Olympic legend Simone Biles is no stranger to the spotlight—but lately, she’s been caught in a whirlwind of backlash, and not from the gymnastics community. Nope, this time it’s NFL fans, social media warriors, and conservative commentator Riley Gaines throwing shade her way.
Sound messy? That’s because it is. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what sparked the feud, why NFL fans are suddenly turning on Simone Biles, and how public opinion has spiraled into chaos. Let’s dive into the storm brewing online—and unpack the real story behind the headlines.
Who Is Simone Biles and Why Does She Matter?
Olympic Greatness in a Tiny Package
Simone Biles isn’t just a gymnast—she’s the gymnast. With 7 Olympic medals and over 25 World Championship titles, she’s considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. Her jaw-dropping flips and insane balance have earned her global fame.
A Symbol of Mental Strength
Simone also made waves when she prioritized her mental health during the Tokyo Olympics. To many, she became a symbol of courage. To others? Well, they thought she “quit.” That division never really went away.
The NFL Connection: What Changed the Narrative?
Meet Jonathan Owens—Simone’s Husband
So how does the NFL come into play? Enter Jonathan Owens, a safety for the Chicago Bears and Simone Biles’ husband. While Simone’s always been the star, his recent NFL fame has dragged her into a totally different arena—where opinions are fierce and loyalty runs deep.
Owens’ Controversial Interview
It all began when Owens made off-hand comments in an interview suggesting he was the “catch” in the relationship. Many fans thought he downplayed Simone’s success, which immediately sent social media into a frenzy.
Riley Gaines Jumps In: The Spark That Lit the Fire
Who Is Riley Gaines?
Riley Gaines is a former collegiate swimmer and outspoken critic of trans women competing in women’s sports. She’s known for not backing down—and now she’s got Simone Biles in her sights.
The Twitter (X) Feud Begins
After Biles liked a tweet that appeared to criticize Gaines, Riley clapped back—hard. She accused Biles of being hypocritical and “only supporting women when it’s convenient.”
And just like that… things escalated.
Fan Reactions: The Internet Explodes
“She Just Wants Attention” Starts Trending
The phrase “she just wants attention” started trending shortly after Riley’s comments. NFL fans piled on, accusing Simone of stirring the pot and playing the victim.
Misogyny or Misunderstanding?
Some fans claim this is just classic misogyny—slamming a successful woman for having an opinion. Others argue that Biles stepped into a political conversation she wasn’t ready for.
Social Media Firestorm: How It Played Out
Twitter Threads and TikTok Takes
From 60-second TikToks to viral Twitter threads, opinions are everywhere. Some fans defend Simone, calling her a queen who can do no wrong. Others accuse her of attention-seeking behavior and dragging her husband into unnecessary drama.
Memes and Mockery
Let’s not forget the memes. Everything from “Simone vs Riley: UFC 300?” to “Jonathan blink twice if you need help” flooded Instagram and Reddit. The tone? Sarcastic and savage.
Marriage in the Spotlight: How It’s Affecting Simone and Jonathan
Relationship Goals… or Cracks Showing?
Some fans have begun speculating that the constant criticism is putting a strain on their marriage. Others are rooting for them harder than ever. Either way, their relationship is now under a microscope.
Mental Health and Fame: A Dangerous Mix
Pressure Cooker of Public Life
Being famous isn’t just glitz and glam. Simone’s talked openly about anxiety, mental exhaustion, and needing therapy. This recent backlash? It’s adding fuel to the fire.
Cyberbullying and Cancel Culture
Once again, she’s become a lightning rod for debates around cancel culture, online harassment, and celebrity accountability.
Is the Criticism Justified—or Way Out of Line?
Playing the Devil’s Advocate
Sure, maybe liking a tweet was a mistake. But does that justify a full-blown takedown? Some say yes—it’s about accountability. Others argue the outrage is totally out of proportion.
A Gendered Double Standard
If a male athlete had done the same thing, would anyone care? Probably not. The double standard for women in sports and media is impossible to ignore here.
Public Opinion Is Divided—and It’s Not Going Away
Fans Are Choosing Sides
Some are #TeamBiles, while others are all in with Riley Gaines. The middle ground? Practically nonexistent. As usual, the internet doesn’t do nuance very well.
What’s Next for Simone Biles?
Focus on Gymnastics or Fight Back?
Will she speak out? Apologize? Ignore it all and flip her way into the next Olympic cycle? No one knows for sure, but whatever she does—it’ll make headlines.
The Bigger Question: Why Do We Tear Down Successful Women?
A Cultural Habit That Won’t Die
From Taylor Swift to Serena Williams, there’s a pattern here. Strong, successful women step out of line—or simply exist—and boom, they’re under attack.
Simone’s just the latest.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Feud
This isn’t just about Simone Biles liking a tweet or Riley Gaines throwing shade. It’s about how we view women, sports, power, and public opinion. It’s about what happens when you mix Olympic stardom with NFL fandom and Twitter politics.
Simone Biles might be used to flipping through the air, but this time she’s navigating a firestorm of criticism. Whether she lands gracefully or gets knocked down, one thing’s for sure—everyone’s watching.
