Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles showed up to the Bears vs. Lions game in Detroit on Sunday to cheer on her husband, Johnathan Owens, and she did so in style.
As the 28-year-old gymnast walked the Ford Field sideline with an entourage ahead of kickoff, she could be seen rocking a sweet pair of shades, some high heels, and (yes, you’re reading this right) a football as a purse. Biles and Owens started dating in the summer of 2020, when the safety was a member of the Houston Texans, and tied the knot in April 2023. After a stint with the Packers that fall, Owens has been with the Bears since last season. Biles, meanwhile, has seemingly become a fan of each team as she supports him every step of the way.
Simone Biles Turns the Sideline Into Her Runway
If you tuned into the Bears vs Lions game recently, you didn’t just get NFL action—you got fashion theatre, headlined by Simone Biles. The gymnastics legend strolled into Ford Field with all eyes on her, not just for cheering on husband Jonathan Owens, but for what she carried: a football. Not for game play, but as her stylish purse. Yep, you read that right.
The Moment That Broke the Internet
Setting & Context
The game was just another Sunday NFL matchup—0-1 Bears clashing with the Lions. But as kickoff approached, Simone stepped onto the sideline, dressed to stun. Silver heels. Chic shades. A custom ensemble. And that football-shaped clutch, complete with the NFL logo.
Why Fans Can’t Stop Talking
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It’s unexpected. Using a football as a purse is bold.
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It’s personal. The outfit, from shades to embroidery, radiated “Jonathan Owens.”
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It’s stylish yet playful. The kind of mix that social media devours.
Simone’s Style Game—It’s About More Than Just Fashion
Supporting With Every Stitch
Simone’s look wasn’t just about turning heads—it emphasized support. She’s known for wearing “Go Owens” gear, custom outfits that reflect her husband’s name, number, and team. This time? She blended fashion and fandom into one.
Statement Accessories
That football purse did more than hold essentials. It was a signal: this is more than sideline cheering. Style + football + personality = viral moment.
The Power of Bold Fashion in Sports Culture
When Athletes’ Loved Ones Become Style Icons
These days, it’s not just the players people tune in for. The partners, the fam, the entourage—how they show up counts. Fans expect something extra. Something memorable. Simone rocked that expectation.
Merging Sport and Style
Football is raw, physical, loud. Fashion is expressive, curated, often subtle. When you bring them together—like a football-purse combo—you get contrast. And contrast sells: visually, emotionally.
What the Media Had to Say
Several outlets spotlighted Simone’s look. Sports Illustrated ran with the headline “Simone Biles Showed Up to Bears-Lions Using a Football As a Purse.” Others praised her audacity, styling, and how the gesture resonates beyond just a fashion choice.
Potential Criticism & The Flip Side
Some Might See It as Gimmicky
Fashion stunts sometimes walk the line. There are folks who might think using a football as a purse is just a marketing move—or even a distraction.
But Intent & Authenticity Matter
Here, authenticity shines through. Simone isn’t doing this just for clicks. The customization, the consistent support of her husband, and the playful style suggest this is genuine expression, not just show.
Why This Moment Matters Beyond the Gridiron
The Intersection of Fame, Style, and Identity
Simone’s always been more than a gymnast—she’s a brand. Her voice, her look, her presence matter. Moments like this reinforce how public figures use fashion to express identity, support, and values.
Social Media’s Role in Amplification
One post, one image, one purse = thousands of shares. People love visuals that subvert expectation. Simone delivered. The football purse now lives online, in memes, in timelines.
Style Takeaways & What We Can Steal
Accessory as Statement Piece
Want to stand out? Let even one detail do the heavy lifting: accessory, color, shape, or brand can transport your outfit.
Customization Rules
Embroidered names, special logos, tailoring to personal story—these elevate your fashion from “nice” to “memorable.”
Fashion Trends Inspired by This Move
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Sports-Chic Accessories: Not just logos on hats, but actual gear reimagined.
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Game Day Glamor: Bringing runway to the sideline. Think high heels, bold shades, unexpected bags.
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Fan Identity: Wearing your support, not just with t-shirts, but elevated pieces.
What’s Next for Simone & Fashion Stunts
Would she push this boundary again? Probably. She’s proven she can. And fashion observers will be watching: what’s Simone’s next statement? Same football-purse energy or something totally new?
Conclusion
Simone Biles didn’t just show up at the Bears vs Lions game—she owned the sideline. Using a football as her purse was bold, stylish, and deeply personal. She showed how sport and fashion can collide in dazzling ways and reminded us that accessorizing isn’t just about what you carry—it’s about what you stand for. In an age where image, identity, and fandom blur, moments like this matter. They spark conversations, they break molds, and they redefine what it means to show support. Simone played her cards—and her purse—just right.
FAQs
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Why did Simone Biles choose a football as a purse?
She paired it with her custom gameday outfit to show support for her husband Jonathan Owens, mixing football culture and personal style in one bold accessory. -
Is using a football-shaped purse common in celebrity fashion?
Not especially—it stands out because it’s unexpected. Fashion icons do reuse sporty elements, but transforming a sport prop into a fashion piece is more rare. -
Did fans like the look?
Yes. The moment exploded on social media, with many commending her creative styling, uniqueness, and audacity. Some people questioned it, but overwhelmingly it sparked admiration. -
How does this outfit reflect Simone’s relationship with Jonathan Owens?
It’s adhesive. Between outfits emblazoned with his name/number (“Go Owens” stuff) and public support, it’s been consistent. The football purse carries the same energy. -
Can this style move influence future athlete partners or fashion trends?
Absolutely. Expect more custom-pieces, more game day statements, and more merging of sport and fashion in unexpected ways. Style disruptors like Simone often set the trends others follow.
