Simone Biles takes on ‘side gig’ as NFL photographer at Bears-49ers game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Simone Biles can now add NFL photographer to her resume. During the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers game on Sunday, Dec. 28, the 11-time Olympic medalist was seen holding a camera on the sidelines as a credentialed photographer before the start of the game. Biles’ husband, Jonathan Owens, is a safety on the Bears.
Simone Biles has done it again. Just when fans think they’ve seen every side of the most decorated gymnast in history, she casually steps onto an NFL sideline—camera in hand—and reminds the world that reinvention is her superpower.
At the recent Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers game, Simone Biles surprised fans by taking on an unexpected side gig as an NFL photographer. And no, this wasn’t a publicity stunt or a quick photo op. She was locked in, focused, and fully immersed in the moment. So what does this mean? Is it just a fun experiment, or the beginning of something bigger? Let’s break it all down.
From Olympic Icon to NFL Sidelines
A Career Built on Reinvention
Simone Biles isn’t new to rewriting expectations. She’s already transformed gymnastics with skills so advanced they’re literally named after her. But this move? It hits different.
Taking photos on the NFL sideline shows a different side of Simone—creative, curious, and unafraid to explore new passions.
Why the Bears–49ers Game Mattered
This wasn’t just any matchup. The Bears vs. 49ers game drew massive attention, making it the perfect stage for Simone’s unexpected debut behind the lens.
Big crowd. Big energy. Big moment.
Simone Biles as an NFL Photographer
Not Just Holding a Camera
Let’s be clear—Simone didn’t just pose with a camera for Instagram. She was credentialed, positioned alongside professional photographers, and actively capturing game action.
That alone says a lot.
A Natural Eye for Timing
Gymnastics trains athletes to anticipate movement, understand angles, and capture perfect moments mid-air. Sound familiar? That skill set translates beautifully to sports photography.
It’s like switching from flips to frames—same precision, different outlet.
The Internet Reacts Instantly
Fans Were Stunned—and Inspired
Once photos and clips hit social media, reactions exploded. Fans praised her versatility and confidence, calling her move “iconic” and “next-level.”
Some even joked, “Is there anything Simone Biles can’t do?”
Athletes Supporting Athletes
NFL players and fellow Olympians joined the conversation, applauding her creativity and willingness to explore life beyond medals and podiums.
Why This ‘Side Gig’ Is Bigger Than It Looks
Redefining Life After Elite Sports
Many elite athletes struggle with identity once competition slows down. Simone is doing the opposite—she’s expanding hers.
This move sends a powerful message: You don’t have to be boxed into one version of yourself forever.
Owning the Narrative
Rather than letting the world decide what “post-gymnastics” looks like, Simone is writing her own story. And she’s doing it with confidence.
The Power of Creative Freedom
Photography as Self-Expression
Photography isn’t just about images. It’s about storytelling. Emotion. Perspective.
For someone who has spent her life being photographed, stepping behind the camera flips the script in the best way possible.
Seeing Sports Through a New Lens
Who better to capture athletic intensity than an athlete herself? Simone understands pressure, movement, and emotion on a visceral level.
That insight shows in how she frames moments.
Simone Biles and the NFL Connection
A Personal Tie to Football
Simone’s husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, has deepened her connection to football culture. Being on the sideline isn’t foreign—it’s familiar territory.
But this time, she wasn’t cheering. She was creating.
Bridging Two Sports Worlds
Her presence symbolically connects gymnastics and football—two vastly different sports united by discipline, sacrifice, and excellence.
What This Means for Simone’s Future
Is Photography a New Career Path?
Is this a one-time passion project? Maybe. Or maybe it’s the start of something more.
Simone has already proven she doesn’t do anything halfway.
Building a Multi-Dimensional Brand
This move strengthens her personal brand as more than an athlete. She’s a creator, storyteller, and cultural force.
And brands notice that.
Why Fans Love This Version of Simone
She Feels Real
There’s something refreshing about seeing a global superstar try something new just because she wants to.
No pressure. No expectations. Just curiosity.
It Encourages Others to Try Something New
If Simone Biles can step outside her comfort zone, what’s stopping the rest of us?
Her message is subtle but powerful: You’re allowed to evolve.
The Bigger Cultural Impact
Athletes as Multi-Hyphenates
Today’s athletes are entrepreneurs, artists, and creators. Simone’s sideline photography fits perfectly into this modern shift.
She’s not stepping away from sports—she’s expanding how she participates in it.
Changing How We View Success
Success doesn’t have to be linear. It can be layered, creative, and unexpected.
Simone’s “side gig” proves that.
What Happens Next?
More NFL Games?
Fans are already asking if she’ll return to the sidelines. And honestly? It wouldn’t be surprising.
A Creative Era Begins
Whether it’s photography, media, or something entirely new, Simone Biles is clearly entering a creative chapter—and it’s exciting to watch.
Conclusion
Simone Biles taking on a side gig as an NFL photographer at the Bears–49ers game wasn’t just a fun surprise—it was a statement.
A statement about freedom.
A statement about curiosity.
A statement about redefining success on your own terms.
From Olympic greatness to NFL sidelines, Simone continues to prove that evolution isn’t optional—it’s powerful. And if this is just the beginning of her creative journey, one thing is certain: the world will be watching.
1. Why was Simone Biles photographing the Bears–49ers game?
She took on a creative side gig as an NFL photographer, showcasing her interest in sports photography and storytelling.
2. Is Simone Biles becoming a professional photographer?
There’s no official announcement, but her involvement suggests a genuine interest and potential future exploration.
3. Did Simone Biles have official sideline access?
Yes, she was credentialed and positioned alongside professional NFL photographers.
4. How did fans react to Simone Biles’ NFL photography role?
Fans reacted positively, praising her versatility, creativity, and confidence.
5. What does this mean for Simone Biles’ career?
It highlights her evolution beyond gymnastics and signals a broader, multi-dimensional future.
