Jonathan Owens Says He Loves to Be a 'Cheerleader' for Wife Simone Biles: 'It's Just Impressive' (Exclusive)

The Chicago Bears safety will have a few days off from training camp to visit Paris (for the first time) and watch the G.O.A.T. make history at the Olympics

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens attend a game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers
Photo:

Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Jonathan Owens is ready to cheer on Simone Biles in Paris!

Less than three weeks before the start of the Summer Olympics, the Chicago Bears safety is sharing his excitement about watching the most decorated gymnast of all time — who happens to be his wife of one year — soar to new heights as a member of her third Olympic team.

“It's super exciting just because I get a chance to see all the work that she puts in prior to, and you know what? Everything she goes through and dealing with the media and everything, and she still goes out there and does it,” Owens, 28, tells PEOPLE while speaking about his new partnership with GoodSport. “It's just impressive and goes to her training mindset and consistency. “That's the biggest thing is how consistent.”

The football player, who is on the eve of making his own statement on a new team this season, can also appreciate the G.O.A.T.’s grit.

“I love watching [it] from an athlete's perspective because that's how you'd be great in any sport, is just being consistent and doing the same thing consistently good every day," he says. "You know what I mean? I love to watch it and I love to be out there and be a cheerleader.”

While sitting alongside Biles’ mother, father and other family members, Owens has learned to keep score in the stands, which he was seen doing at the gymnastics championships last month and at the Olympic trials — and he says he’s continually learning more about the sport.

Jonathan Owens of Chicago Bears Partners with GoodSport Fast-Growing Sports Drink Brand

Courtesy of GoodSport

“I know the routines,” he tells PEOPLE about his role as a “supportive” husband. “I'm getting the score down. If I'm going to pay attention to it, I have to lock in. I'm going to go full in …  So I had to make sure I did some research so I can talk gymnastics language.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Owens will get a few days off from his new NFL team’s training camp to travel to the Games, Biles, 27, revealed last week.

“The Bears are actually granting him a couple days off from training camp, so he'll be there,” the seven-time Olympic medalist said following trials. “Yes, for just a short little time.”

When he's in training, though, Owens relies on sports drinks from GoodSport, a female-founded, Chicago-based brand he discovered last year. Owens has a sickle cell trait that makes him oxygen-deficient and in need of added hydration when he's playing, which is where their drinks come in.

"Basically, when you're at an oxygen deficiency you're more cramp-prone. And being in the NFL, you have to be available as a starter. You can't be on the sideline and be missing time," he tells PEOPLE. "So I really had to take my hydration serious and make sure that I was putting the right things in my body that just would continue to let me perform."

Jonathan Owens of Chicago Bears Partners with GoodSport Fast-Growing Sports Drink Brand
Jonathan Owens.

Courtesy of GoodSport

But between his practices, the couple will unite in Paris — it will be the football player’s first visit! — where watching Biles compete will take precedence. Though seeing some art and doing some shopping is also on the itinerary, Owens says.

“I'm ready. I'm excited,” he tells PEOPLE. “I can't wait to watch.”

Comments
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. PEOPLE does not endorse the opinions and views shared by readers in our comment sections.

Related Articles