Jonathan Owens, the professional football safety who plays for the Chicago Bears and is married to Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles, encountered a startling incident while visiting Italy for the Winter Olympic Games. The NFL athlete revealed through his social media channels that he narrowly escaped a robbery attempt in Milan, where the couple had traveled to support Team USA athletes competing on the global stage.
The unsettling event unfolded as Owens was exploring the city, presumably enjoying the cultural offerings of one of the world's fashion capitals during a break from Olympic events. In a candid post on the social platform X, formerly Twitter, the football player detailed how an individual attempted to forcibly seize his shopping bag in what appeared to be a classic snatch-and-run theft attempt. Thanks to his ingrained travel safety habits, Owens had securely fastened the bag's handles around his hand, a simple but effective precaution that ultimately prevented the crime.
"Not somebody just tried to snatch my shopping bag in Milan, force of habit," Owens wrote, describing the encounter. "I had it tied around my hand so he couldn't get it and took off running immediately….but still crazy."
The would-be thief's rapid retreat after failing to secure the bag suggests a crime of opportunity rather than a targeted attack, though the couple's high-profile status undoubtedly makes them more recognizable figures in any public setting. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even during prestigious international events with heightened security, urban risks persist for visitors.
Milan, as a primary host city for the Winter Olympics, has implemented extensive security measures including increased police presence, surveillance systems, and restricted zones around competition venues. However, covering every street and tourist destination proves impossible, leaving visitors responsible for their personal safety to some degree. Owens' experience demonstrates how basic awareness and preventive habits can effectively neutralize theft attempts even in crowded urban environments.
The couple's Olympic journey centered on supporting American athletes, particularly in figure skating where they attended the men's singles free program at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. Their presence highlighted the cross-sport camaraderie among elite American athletes, with Biles lending her considerable star power to winter sports that typically receive less mainstream attention.
Their primary focus rested on Ilia Malinin, the American teenage sensation who revolutionized figure skating with his unprecedented quadruple jump capabilities. The young athlete's nickname, "Quad God," reflects his historic achievement of landing multiple quadruple jumps in competition, pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible in the sport. Malinin entered the Olympics as a legitimate medal contender, representing America's best hope for figure skating glory.
Tragically for Malinin and his supporters, the competition narrative took a heartbreaking turn. The pressure of Olympic competition, amplified by expectations surrounding his revolutionary abilities, appeared to overwhelm the young skater. Two catastrophic falls during his free skate routine destroyed his medal chances, relegating him to an eighth-place finish far below his potential.
Biles' reaction to Malinin's struggles revealed her deep empathy born from personal Olympic trauma. "Totally devastated for Ilia," she shared on Threads, the Meta-owned social platform. Her concise but heartfelt message conveyed profound understanding of the psychological weight Olympic athletes carry.
This empathy stems directly from Biles' own highly publicized struggles during the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021. The gymnastics superstar experienced the "twisties," a terrifying phenomenon where athletes lose their spatial orientation during complex aerial maneuvers. For a gymnast of Biles' caliber, performing the world's most difficult skills, this mental block created life-threatening danger rather than mere performance anxiety.
Her decision to withdraw from multiple events in Tokyo, prioritizing mental health and physical safety over competition, sparked a global reckoning about athlete welfare and the immense pressures of Olympic expectations. Biles faced criticism from some quarters but received overwhelming support from mental health advocates, fellow athletes, and fans who recognized her courage in acknowledging human limitations.
The parallel between Malinin's Olympic disappointment and Biles' Tokyo experience illuminates the psychological fragility that exists even among the world's most talented athletes. Both performers entered their respective competitions as favorites, burdened by extraordinary expectations. Both struggled under the Olympic spotlight, though Malinin's challenges manifested as physical falls while Biles' manifested as mental blocks.
Following her Tokyo withdrawal, Biles took a necessary hiatus from competitive gymnastics to address her mental health challenges comprehensively. This period of self-care and professional support enabled her remarkable comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she captured three gold medals and reaffirmed her status as the greatest gymnast in history.
Her journey from Tokyo trauma to Paris triumph provides a powerful narrative about resilience, mental health awareness, and the importance of prioritizing well-being over external expectations. Biles' empathy for Malinin suggests she recognizes similar pressures affecting the young figure skater and hopes he receives the support necessary to process his Olympic experience constructively.
The attempted robbery of her husband adds a layer of real-world danger to their Olympic experience, contrasting sharply with the controlled environment of competition venues. While athletes face psychological pressures within their sports, they must simultaneously navigate the physical risks of international travel and public life.
Owens' preparedness likely reflects his experience as a professional athlete accustomed to public attention and travel. NFL players face similar security considerations when visiting opposing cities or traveling internationally, making awareness second nature. His ability to prevent the theft through simple precautions demonstrates how professional athletes develop survival skills extending beyond their sport.
The couple's relationship timeline adds context to their shared Olympic experiences. They married in 2023 after a whirlwind romance that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Owens has been a steadfast supporter of Biles' gymnastics career, attending competitions and celebrating her achievements publicly. Their Milan appearance represents reciprocal support, with Biles attending an Olympic event specifically to cheer for a fellow American athlete.
Their visibility at the Winter Olympics also highlights the growing crossover between summer and winter sports in American athletic culture. Historically, these spheres remained largely separate, but modern athletes increasingly support one another across seasonal boundaries, creating a more unified American Olympic movement.
Malinin's disappointing performance and the robbery attempt both underscore the unpredictable nature of Olympic experiences. While broadcast coverage focuses on medal ceremonies and triumphant moments, athletes and their supporters navigate complex emotional landscapes and real-world challenges behind the scenes.
The incident may prompt other high-profile Olympic visitors to adopt similar safety measures, particularly those recognizable to international audiences. Simple strategies like using anti-theft bags, avoiding ostentatious displays of wealth, and maintaining situational awareness can significantly reduce vulnerability without diminishing the Olympic experience.
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue, Owens and Biles' experience serves as a cautionary tale wrapped in a story of resilience and empathy. Their ability to process the robbery attempt without major disruption, combined with Biles' supportive response to Malinin's struggles, demonstrates the maturity and perspective gained through their athletic journeys.
The broader implications extend beyond individual experiences to questions about Olympic security, athlete mental health support systems, and the responsibilities of high-profile sports figures as role models. Biles' openness about mental health challenges has already transformed gymnastics; her empathy for Malinin may similarly influence how figure skating addresses psychological pressures.
Meanwhile, Owens' successful prevention of theft offers a practical lesson in personal security that resonates with any international traveler, athlete or otherwise. His experience proves that preparation and awareness remain the best defenses against opportunistic crime, even in cities hosting the world's most prestigious sporting event.
The convergence of these stories—near-crime, competitive disappointment, and empathetic support—creates a multifaceted narrative about modern Olympic life. Behind the pageantry and athletic excellence lie human stories of vulnerability, resilience, and community that define the true Olympic spirit.