Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles stepped off the gymnastics floor and onto the NFL sidelines Sunday night, embracing a new role as a credentialed photographer during the Chicago Bears’ matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.
The seven‑time Olympic gold medalist, widely regarded as one of the most decorated athletes in U.S. history, donned an official NFL media vest and wielded a Sony camera as she snapped images at Levi’s Stadium. Biles’ presence added a unique flair to “Sunday Night Football,” drawing attention well beyond the typical pageantry of a regular‑season game.
“It’s just a little side gig,” Biles said with a laugh in a video shared on the NFL’s social media platforms. The gymnast spoke directly to fans from the mostly empty field before kickoff, camera in hand. “We are here at Sunday Night Football … and I’m gonna be taking some photographs.”
Supporting Her Husband and Exploring New Roles
Biles’ assignment had a personal touch: her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, was on the field warming up. At one point before the game, she was seen hugging Olivia Culpo, the wife of 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, in a warm pregame moment captured by NFL photographers.
Wearing the media badge bearing Owens’ jersey number — No. 36 — Biles focused many of her shots on her spouse as he prepared for kickoff. “It’s cool that my media number matches his,” she joked, drawing laughter from teammates and fans alike.
This sideline stint marked Biles’ first official role as a credentialed NFL photographer. Though she often supports Owens in the stands or on the sidelines, capturing the game through the lens offered a new perspective on professional sports.
Biles wasn’t the only Olympian to take on such a role recently. Fellow Team USA gymnast Suni Lee served as a guest photographer for the Minnesota Vikings during their Christmas Day matchup against the Detroit Lions.The NFL’s Celebrity Photographer Series has previously featured athletes and entertainers alike in similar posts throughout the season.
Despite her enthusiasm and professional approach behind the camera, the night didn’t end in a Bears victory. Chicago fell to San Francisco in a close 42‑38 contest. Still, Biles’ foray into NFL media work provided fans and players alike with a memorable highlight.
“Photography lets me see the game in a new way,” she said. “It’s fun to try something different.”