LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears safety Jonathan Owens will be away from the team for a week beginning next Monday, and he has a good reason why.
Owens will be traveling to the Summer Olympics in Paris, where he'll be in attendance to support his wife, legendary American gymnast Simon Biles. The Bears have given their blessing for the trip, which will be formally excused.
“We respect the Olympics,” Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said. “That is a big deal. And he’s just supporting the one he loves the most, and I think that’s so cool that he gets to do that. We welcome that, and it’s going to be awesome. Go USA.”
The Bears will excuse Owens’ absence beginning next Monday, and he's expected to rejoin the team on Aug. 4. In making this trip. Owens will miss the Bears’ first preseason game, which will be played at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on Aug. 1.
Owens, 29, joined the Bears on a one-year deal in March. He and Biles have been married since April 2023.
Biles, 27, is a seven-time Olympic medalist and considered by many to be the greatest gymnast of all time.
The opening ceremonies for the Olympics will be held Friday in Paris.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.