There has rarely been a time when Simone Biles missed a moment by Jonathan Owens’ side. From sideline appearances during games to celebrations following pivotal career milestones, she had been a consistent figure in his professional narrative. However, when Owens returned to his alma mater for the fourth edition of his annual youth football camp, a personal endeavor he described as a long-held dream, her absence was quietly noticeable.

Owens, who hosted the free event at Christian Brothers College High School in Missouri, was surrounded by a close-knit group of relatives and longtime friends. His Instagram stories offered a window into a day filled with energy, instruction, and reflection. “It’s a beautiful day for some football,” he wrote, standing on the familiar turf of his former school. His sense of pride was unmistakable as he added, “Always a good feeling coming back to my Alma Mater.” From check-in to closing huddles, Owens was joined by family members, including his mother, whom he featured with the simple, heartfelt caption reading, “MOM ❤️.”

Despite the warmth of the occasion, Biles, who was in Missouri as confirmed through her own stories, remained outside the frame. She neither appeared in group shots nor in passing glimpses. Owens, however, maintained a grounded focus, engaging with young athletes as both mentor and motivator. “Giving the kids some words of wisdom,” he noted during a moment captured mid-instruction. Later, in a quieter post, he reflected, “Such a blessing to be able to give back to my community. I dreamt of days like this.”

Among the many interactions that day, a few stood out. One post featured his youngest participant, a five-year-old cousin who dreams of becoming an NFL quarterback and whose favorite color is red. Another story spotlighted a young girl confidently taking part in the drills, with Owens writing, “OKAY!!! GIRLS CAN PLAY FOOTBALL TOO.”

What should have been a shared public moment between Owens and Biles became instead a solitary milestone, albeit one rich with personal meaning. As he spoke to campers about resilience and self-belief, urging them to “never give up” he marked a new chapter of his journey. Yet, this time, the support came not from the spotlight of a high-profile spouse but from the quiet, familiar presence of those who knew him long before fame found his name.

Jonathan Owens isn’t just present for Simone Biles but is always paying attention

Jonathan Owens has not merely stood by Simone Biles; he has shown up with conviction, attentiveness, and a distinct sense of duty. His presence has not been passive nor ornamental. Rather than offering vague encouragement, Owens has taken a seat close to the action, watching closely, taking notes, and engaging with each performance as if preparing for a film review. When cameras caught him scribbling through Biles’ floor routine at the U.S. Championships, speculation flared. But the truth, as Biles later explained, was striking in its simplicity. Owens learned the habit from Biles’ parents.

This conduct, quiet, precise, consistent, has formed its own sort of statement. Owens has not attempted to make Biles’ journey about himself. He has not sought attention for his support. Instead, he has committed himself to a quieter task. Showing up at every meet, tracking her progress, adapting to the rhythm of her world. From the Core Hydration Classic to the Olympic Trials, his consistency has not wavered. “I think it’s super exciting that we get to be in each other’s elements and supporting each other’s dreams and goals,” Biles said when asked about him during the post-trials press conference. She did not describe a mere gesture; she described a shared investment.

Now, as the Paris Games begin, Owens has flown to France not with ceremony, but with intention. In the crowd at Bercy Arena, surrounded by flags and chants, he sits again with his notepad. To the public, he is an NFL player. To Simone Biles, he is someone who keeps count. On the scoreboard, and in ways that cannot be easily measured.