LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — While reaching a deal with the Bears in free agency back in March, veteran safety Jonathan Owens and his agent presented a request.
Owens asked for permission to be excused from one week of training camp so he could travel to Paris to support his wife, legendary gymnast Simone Biles, at the Olympics. The Bears gave their blessing to Owens, who will leave Monday and return the following Saturday.
It’s a gesture that Owens certainly doesn’t take for granted.
"(The Bears) were really cool about it,” Owens said Thursday at Halas Hall. “First-class organization. I just want to thank them so much even allowing me to go over and do that. I can’t wait to be able to support her, and I know my family and my wife, she really appreciates it.
“It’s amazing. Words can’t even describe it. I just think about how did I get so lucky that this is my wife and I get to see her, someone that’s literally at the pinnacle of their sport, and I get to call this my wife. It’s amazing. There’s no words to really describe it. Just blessed.”
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus has no reservations about allowing Owens to leave for an excused absence, while Owens' teammates are eager to cheer on Biles stateside.
Owens will miss three practices and then the Hall of Fame Game next Thursday in Canton, Ohio. But Owens will have access to recordings of team meetings as well as those with his position group, which will allow him to stay connected with the Bears.
The 29-year-old Owens signed a one-year deal with the Bears and is a reserve safety. He's expected to play a key role on special teams this season.
Biles, 27, is a seven-time Olympic medalist who's considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time. She's one of the leading figures of the United States’ Olympic delegation heading to Paris.
Owens and Biles married in April 2023. She has been present for much of Owens’ five-year NFL career and plans to travel to Chicago for his games this season.
For the first time in their relationship, Owens will be present to watch Biles participate in the Olympics.
“It’s the person you love most,” Owens said. “And you see them up there in a position where someone could get hurt, and you care about her, so it’s always super nerve-racking. Let’s say I’m on the field and she sees me hit somebody or take a hard hit or something, it’s like a gasp of air. So, like when she’s on the floor or the beam, I just know how long you work for it and how much you put into it. So when you see someone out there, I don’t know, I can’t describe it. We’re just out there holding our breath.
“I can’t wait.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.