Just months ago, Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens were stealing hearts on the NFL sidelines with their viral pre-game handshakes and loving displays. Now, the Olympic gymnastics icon finds herself at the center of unexpected fan backlash. On December 16, Biles lit up the NFL world with a heartwarming sideline moment ahead of a Chicago Bears game, sharing kisses and a now-famous handshake with her husband, Bears safety Jonathan Owens.SportsCenter’s clip of the interaction went viral, and Biles was praised as the ultimate NFL WAG-so much so that fans dubbed her and Owens the “real MVP couple,” even over Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
Internet users turned their backs on Biles
Instead of praise, the comments section turned sour. Fans took direct shots at Simone Biles, with one calling her “overrated as a human being” and another asking, “She hasn’t been fully canceled yet?” The same woman who once represented the gold standard of sideline support is now being met with hostility, sarcasm, and indifference. Some critics accused Biles of stealing attention, while others threw passive-aggressive shade over her lack of Bears gear. “She’s not even a real fan,” one commenter joked, pointing out her absence of team colors or memorabilia.
When Applause Turns to Criticism
You’d think Simone Biles—the most decorated gymnast of all time—would be untouchable when it comes to public admiration. But recently, that status was put to the test in an unexpected arena: the NFL. After basking in a viral moment just months ago, the tides have turned. Now, Biles finds herself at the center of controversy, proving even fan favorites can face fallout. Let’s unpack what really went down, why it sparked such a heated response, and what this tells us about celebrity culture, loyalty, and the cost of public attention.
The Viral Moment That Started It All
Simone Biles Steals the Spotlight at an NFL Game
Just a few months ago, Simone Biles lit up the internet with a sweet, supportive moment on the NFL sidelines. Fans watched as she cheered for her husband, Green Bay Packers safety Jonathan Owens, during a game. Her heartfelt reactions and playful presence quickly spread across social media like wildfire.
America’s Sweetheart in a New Arena
Biles, often associated with Olympic glory and grace under pressure, showcased a different side—one of vulnerability, joy, and connection. For many, it was refreshing to see a sports icon like her just being… well, human.
The Unexpected Backlash
What Triggered the NFL Fan Backlash?
So, what flipped the script? It wasn’t just one moment. After a few public comments and perceived snubs during NFL media coverage, some fans began questioning Biles’ intentions and attitude.
Was It Something She Said?
In interviews, Biles joked about not being a huge football fan initially and shared how she had to learn the sport for her husband’s sake. What was meant to be light-hearted humor was interpreted by some NFL diehards as dismissive.
Perception vs. Reality
Internet Culture’s Role in Twisting Narratives
Social media is a double-edged sword. One moment you’re trending for a sweet smile, and the next, you’re dissected over a 15-second clip. Biles became the latest victim of viral culture’s brutal swing.
The Armchair Critics Rise Again
Online forums exploded with commentary. Critics accused her of “stealing the spotlight,” while others claimed she didn’t show “proper NFL wife etiquette.” Whatever that even means.
Celebrity Spouses and Public Expectations
The “WAG” Stereotype Simone Never Asked For
The term “WAG” (wives and girlfriends of athletes) has long placed unfair expectations on women in sports relationships. Biles doesn’t fit the mold, and that rubs some people the wrong way.
Simone Biles: Not Your Average NFL Wife
She’s not just anyone’s partner—she’s a global icon in her own right. That fact alone disrupts the usual narrative and challenges gender roles in sports culture.
Media Amplification and Missteps
Headlines That Stirred the Pot
Several outlets ran with controversial headlines, twisting Biles’ comments into clickbait. Words like “disinterested,” “self-centered,” and “awkward” were thrown around recklessly.
The Cost of Going Viral
Suddenly, what should’ve been a sweet sideline moment became cannon fodder for criticism.
Public Figures Walk a Fine Line
The Pressure to Be Perfect 24/7
When you’re Simone Biles, every blink is scrutinized. The backlash highlights how society places impossible standards on public figures—especially women of color.
Simone’s Grace Under Fire
Despite the noise, Biles has handled the criticism with maturity, continuing to support her husband while maintaining her own lane.
A Love Story Overshadowed
Jonathan Owens’ Role in the Narrative
Some fans even directed backlash at Owens, accusing him of not “defending” Biles online. This only added fuel to the fire.
Their Relationship, Their Rules
At the end of the day, it’s their marriage, not a reality show for public entertainment.
Racial Bias in Public Criticism
Why Black Women Face Harsher Scrutiny
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: race and gender bias plays a huge role in how public figures are judged. Black women are often labeled “too loud,” “too proud,” or “too much” for simply existing unapologetically.
The Simone Standard
Biles’ experience is sadly not unique. Think of Serena Williams, Meghan Markle, and Michelle Obama—each woman faced extreme public blowback at various points in their careers.
From Fan Favorite to Fallout—Is It Fair?
What Does “Overexposed” Even Mean?
The internet has a strange habit of building people up just to tear them down. Biles went from celebrated spouse to “overexposed” almost overnight.
A Society Addicted to Drama
Let’s be real—controversy sells. The backlash isn’t always rooted in logic, but in a hunger for conflict and spectacle.
The Bigger Picture
Should Athletes’ Personal Lives Be Off-Limits?
If Biles had just stayed silent and off-camera, would she still be a target? Probably not. But should she have to hide to avoid criticism?
The Right to Just Exist
Simone Biles doesn’t owe anyone a “perfect” NFL wife performance. She’s a human being living her life. That should be enough.
Defending Simone Biles—And Ourselves
Why We Need to Check Our Biases
Before jumping into the comment section, maybe ask: “Am I reacting fairly?” We’re all human. So is she.
Learning from the Fallout
If anything, this backlash teaches us how quickly the internet can turn—and how necessary it is to protect your peace.
Conclusion: Simone Biles Deserves Better
Simone Biles didn’t ask to become an NFL storyline. She simply showed up to support her husband and got dragged into a whirlwind of opinions, judgments, and unfair criticism. In the end, the backlash says more about us than it does about her. As a society, we need to stop tearing down strong women for not fitting into boxes we never had the right to build.
