The conversation surrounding NFL safety Jonathan Owens' now-infamous interview remains a dominant topic in celebrity and sports circles, even as of December 2025. The initial comments made by the Chicago Bears player about his marriage to Olympic legend Simone Biles sparked a massive, polarizing debate across social media, leading to relentless scrutiny that few celebrity couples ever face. While the original interview is nearly two years old, the soundbites—particularly his statement about being the "catch" in the relationship—continue to resurface, prompting fans and critics alike to constantly re-evaluate the dynamics of their high-profile union.
The intensity of the public reaction forced Simone Biles to step in and defend her husband, offering a crucial, recent perspective on their relationship that contrasts sharply with the narrative crafted by a few viral clips. As both athletes continue to excel—Owens in the NFL and Biles in her historic gymnastics career—their shared life remains under the microscope, with every public appearance and statement being judged against the backdrop of that single, controversial podcast appearance.
The Man Behind the Viral Interview: Jonathan Owens Biography
Jonathan James Owens is a professional American football safety whose career has gained significant public attention following his marriage to the most decorated gymnast of all time, Simone Biles. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a starting NFL player is a story of grit, but his relationship with Biles has cemented his place in the broader pop culture spotlight.
- Full Name: Jonathan James Owens
- Born: July 22, 1995
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 30
- Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri
- College: Missouri Western State University
- NFL Position: Safety (S)
- Current Team (2025 Season): Chicago Bears
- Previous Teams: Houston Texans (2019-2022), Green Bay Packers (2023)
- Met Simone Biles: March 2020 via the exclusive dating app Raya
- Married: April 2023 (Courthouse ceremony followed by a destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas)
- Career Highlights: Known for his strong tackling and defensive play, establishing himself as a veteran defensive back in the league.
The 'Catch' Comment That Broke the Internet
The epicenter of the public scrutiny is Jonathan Owens' appearance on "The Pivot Podcast" in late 2023, where he and Simone discussed the origins of their relationship. The interview quickly went viral, but not for the reasons the couple might have hoped. A few specific comments, taken out of context by some and viewed as genuinely insensitive by others, fueled a massive social media backlash.
Revelation 1: He Didn't Know Who She Was
One of the most widely criticized statements was Owens' admission that he didn't know who Simone Biles was when they first connected on the dating app Raya in 2020. At the time, Biles was already a global icon, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, and arguably the most famous gymnast in history. Owens claimed he was busy with his NFL career and hadn't paid much attention to gymnastics. While intended to show that their connection was genuine and not based on her fame, the comment was widely interpreted as dismissive of her monumental achievements.
Revelation 2: The Infamous 'I Was the Catch' Statement
The moment that truly ignited the firestorm was when Owens described himself as "the catch" in the relationship. When discussing how the relationship started, he explained that Biles was the one who initiated contact via direct message on the dating app. He followed up by saying, "I always say that the men are the catch," a comment that many viewers found "cringey" and arrogant, especially given Biles' unparalleled career success and net worth.
Revelation 3: A Pandemic Match That Started With a 'Weird Feeling'
Despite the controversy, the interview did offer sweet details about their early days. The couple met during the height of the 2020 pandemic lockdown, which allowed them to spend quality time together without the usual pressures of their busy athletic schedules. Simone Biles herself recalled a "random weird feeling" on their first date—a positive, unprecedented connection she had never felt before.
Simone Biles’ Unwavering Defense and The Relationship Today (December 2025)
The intense public pressure following the podcast led to a bizarre online phenomenon where users were actively urging Simone Biles to leave her husband. The backlash was so severe that Biles felt compelled to address the situation publicly, offering a powerful counter-narrative to the media frenzy.
The Sweetest Defense
In interviews throughout 2024, Simone Biles firmly stood by her husband. She acknowledged the online "noise" but dismissed the calls for divorce, stating that the public’s perception of him based on a few clips was completely inaccurate. "I'm like, 'He's the sweetest,'" Biles stated, emphasizing that the man she knows privately is loving and supportive. Her defense highlighted the stark difference between a highly-edited public narrative and the reality of a private marriage.
Revelation 4: Mutual Support in High-Stakes Careers
The couple’s relationship is fundamentally rooted in mutual support for their high-stakes athletic careers. Owens was a vocal supporter during Biles’ triumphant return to gymnastics at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, cheering her on from the stands. Similarly, Biles is often seen on the sidelines during the NFL season, supporting Owens as he takes the field for the Chicago Bears in the 2025 season. This consistent public display of affection and encouragement serves as a powerful rebuttal to the narrative of a mismatched or troubled marriage.
Revelation 5: A Partnership of Equals, Despite the Headlines
While the headlines focused on who was the "catch," the reality of their relationship, as consistently portrayed by the couple, is one of two professional athletes navigating the challenges of long-distance careers and intense media scrutiny. Their story—from a digital connection on Raya to a courthouse wedding and a luxurious destination ceremony—is a modern love story often complicated by the pressures of fame. The controversy ultimately revealed less about the state of their marriage and more about the public’s desire to project their own expectations onto a celebrity couple.
In the end, for Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens, the viral interview has become a footnote to their ongoing life together. They have successfully weathered the storm of public opinion, proving that their bond is stronger than a few poorly phrased comments on a podcast. Their continued success in their respective fields, with Owens thriving as an NFL safety and Biles cementing her legacy as a GOAT, demonstrates a partnership that thrives despite the constant buzz of celebrity gossip.
Topical Authority Entities & Keywords
This deep dive into the Jonathan Owens interview naturally incorporates several key entities and LSI keywords that boost topical authority, including: The Pivot Podcast, Raya dating app, NFL safety, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Olympic Games Paris 2024, viral interview, relationship timeline, celebrity couple scrutiny, and the "I was the catch" comment.
Detail Author:
- Name : Miss Eileen Herzog II
- Username : hattie.rohan
- Email : batz.antonetta@rutherford.com
- Birthdate : 1970-01-12
- Address : 386 Camron Mews Suite 016 Lanefort, IA 27014-3259
- Phone : 207-208-3286
- Company : Farrell, Ledner and Bradtke
- Job : Extraction Worker
- Bio : Ut ipsum velit ut alias beatae a perferendis. Et et omnis aliquam molestias in. Expedita perferendis minima aut odit dolorem.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/oberbrunnere
- username : oberbrunnere
- bio : Magnam porro a nam quo harum iusto quia.
- followers : 5783
- following : 1699
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/emery_oberbrunner
- username : emery_oberbrunner
- bio : Ut expedita labore saepe natus. Atque commodi sit nihil. Asperiores sequi deserunt blanditiis aut.
- followers : 999
- following : 1593