• Simone Biles appeared as a credentialed photographer during Sunday Night Football between the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers.
• The 11-time Olympic medalist wore an NFL media vest, carried a Sony camera and used media No. 36 — the same number as her husband, Bears safety Jonathan Owens.
• Biles photographed Owens warming up and hugged Olivia Culpo on the field. Fellow Olympian Suni Lee was also spotted as a photographer on a recent NFL game.
H2: Simone Biles takes the sideline
Simone Biles, the 11-time Olympic medalist, showed up at Sunday Night Football in a new role: credentialed photographer. Wearing an NFL media vest and carrying a Sony camera, Biles moved around the field at Levi’s Stadium while the San Francisco 49ers hosted the Chicago Bears.
Shortly before kickoff she hugged Olivia Culpo, wife of 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, and photographed her husband, Bears safety Jonathan Owens, during warmups.
H3: A personal, low-key assignment
Biles described the outing as “just a little side gig.” She displayed her media number — No. 36 — the same number Owens wears on the field. The moment mixed the personal with the professional: a world-class athlete using sideline access to capture family and friends while supporting her husband.
Biles has frequently attended Chicago Bears games since marrying Owens in April 2023. Her presence as a credentialed photographer marked a new way for the gymnast to participate in game-day routines.
H4: Social posts and snaps
Fans saw Biles’ work and sideline moments shared on social media. She posted a photo of Owens warming up on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DS06InIALn0/ . The couple’s wedding photos are also available on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrWGBcEOK9C/?img_index=1 .
The NFL also posted about gymnast Suni Lee serving as a photographer during the Minnesota Vikings–Detroit Lions Christmas Day game: https://x.com/NFL/status/2004279984924344474 .
H3: More athletes behind the lens
Biles isn’t the first elite gymnast to be seen working as a credentialed photographer at NFL games. Suni Lee was recently photographed with media credentials at a Vikings game, suggesting a small trend of Olympians taking on sideline photography roles during high-profile football matchups.
H2: Why it matters
The appearance highlights the crossover between sports worlds and how athletes engage with each other off the field. For Biles, it was a supportive, low-key way to be part of game day while using media access to capture personal moments. For fans, it was a glimpse of a champion in a relaxed, behind-the-scenes role.
Short, candid and warm, the images show an elite athlete enjoying a different kind of spotlight — one focused on family and teammates rather than medals and podiums.
Image Referance: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47439752/simone-biles-photographer-credentialed-49ers-bears-sunday-night-football
