In a delightful role reversal, Olympic gymnastics icon Simone Biles recently stepped away from being the subject of photographs to become the person behind the camera. On December 28, the celebrated athlete traded her leotard for a press vest, immersing herself in the high-energy world of professional sports photography at a National Football League (NFL) game.
From Olympic Star to Sideline Photographer
As part of a special NFL initiative featuring celebrity photographers, Simone Biles was granted full media access for the clash between the Chicago Bears and the San Francisco 49ers. Equipped with official credentials and a Sony camera, she embraced her new role with characteristic focus and enthusiasm. Behind-the-scenes footage later revealed just how seriously she approached the assignment, all while clearly enjoying every moment of the unique experience.
Biles shared her adventure through a video, happily introducing herself as a “photographer” for the day. Fans watched as the champion athlete meticulously adjusted camera settings, tested the zoom lens, and experimented with different angles to get the perfect shot. Her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, who plays for the Chicago Bears, became one of her subjects. With a playful grin, Biles joked about the challenging conditions, noting, “the lighting is bad.” Although Owens offered assistance, Biles appeared confident and comfortable learning the ropes on her own.
A Simple Request and Professional Respect
Amidst the clicks of her shutter, Simone Biles had one light-hearted but clear request for anyone sharing her work: “If y’all post anything, give me credits.” The professional photographers working alongside her were impressed by her dedication. They complimented her efforts and acknowledged how “tough” it can be to capture the fast-paced, live action of an NFL game. Biles remained undeterred, persistently snapping pictures to freeze the moments on the field.
She also showed a keen sense of self-preservation, humorously stating her intention to stay in a “safe zone” on the sidelines. “I like to stay in a safe zone because I know these men would crush me,” she laughed. The evening was sprinkled with other fun interactions, including a brief chat with actor Simu Liu. Biles, demonstrating her signature charm, asked him which team he was supporting, to which Liu replied, “I don’t know; I mean, the Bears, obviously.”
Beyond the Lens: A New Chapter of Exploration
True to her pre-game traditions, Biles shared a kiss with Jonathan Owens for good luck before kickoff. Despite the Bears suffering a narrow 42-38 loss, the result did little to dim her enjoyment of the photography experience. This foray into NFL photography is just one example of the curious and busy new phase Biles has entered following her stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she added four more medals to her legendary haul.
Since the Olympics, Simone Biles has been actively exploring new passions and hobbies. She has taken up horseback riding near her home in Texas and even tried her hand at ice skating. After her first skating lesson, she gave an honest assessment, rating it a 7 out of 10 and remarking, “I feel better than I thought I would feel.” Never one to shy away from a challenge, she even joked about a potential future in a different sport, musing, “2028…figure skating?”
This period of exploration showcases an athlete who, while at the pinnacle of her gymnastics career, is also embracing life's diverse opportunities with the same energy and smile that have made her a global inspiration.
