Simone Biles recently stirred up controversy among NFL fans when she wore a Green Bay Packers jacket to a Chicago Bears preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Olympic gymnast, who married NFL player Jonathan Owens last year, was seen sporting a custom jacket featuring action shots of Owens from his time with the Packers. Although Owens has since joined the Bears, Biles’ choice of attire didn’t sit well with many fans, given the long-standing rivalry between the Packers and the Bears.
Fans quickly took to social media to voice their displeasure, urging Biles to retire the jacket now that her husband plays for the Bears. Many pointed out that the rivalry between the two teams is one of the oldest and most intense in the NFL, making her fashion choice a point of contention. Despite her clear intentions to support Owens, fans felt that Biles should have considered the significance of the team rivalry before donning the Packers gear at a Bears game.
.@Simone_Biles is in Chicago ???
— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2024
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Biles and Owens have been known for their strong support of each other’s careers. Owens, who joined the Bears this offseason, even negotiated his contract to ensure he could attend Biles’ competitions at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won three gold medals and one silver. Their mutual dedication to each other’s success has been evident, but Biles’ jacket choice has highlighted how intense and passionate NFL rivalries can be, even for those who aren’t directly involved in the sport.
While the backlash over her jacket may have surprised Biles, it underscores the deep-rooted traditions and rivalries that exist within the NFL. As the new season approaches, it will be interesting to see how Biles navigates her role as a Bears fan, especially in a league where team loyalty runs deep. Despite the controversy, her unwavering support for Owens is clear, even if it means crossing some traditional NFL boundaries.