Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens (Photo By Maggie Huber/Special to Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens turned heads at Churchill Downs this weekend, not just for their coordinated lavender outfits, but for a moment that quickly took over social media. The power couple stepped out for the 151st Kentucky Derby on Saturday, looking to soak up some downtime after a busy year of athletics and travel.
They joined NBC for a brief interview before the race began, sharing lighthearted moments and Derby picks. But one comment from Owens sparked more eye-rolls than cheers.
Fans Call Out Owens Over Race Claims
American gymnast Simone Biles and her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens (Photo By Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
During the NBC segment, Owens boasted about his winning streak on the undercard, claiming he went “three-for-three” in earlier races. When pressed for his main event pick, the Chicago Bears safety played coy.
“I can’t tell you yet,” he said. “I got to keep it to the family.”
That comment didn’t sit well with viewers. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to question the credibility of Owens’ claims, especially when he mentioned a fourth race he had predicted correctly but didn’t place a bet on.
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“Jonathan Owens just claimed in the last 4 races he went 3/3 and picked the right winner in the 4th (didn’t bet it) ….BUT won’t share his pick for the derby….buddy don’t tell us you’re hot if you’re not going to share,” one fan posted.
Another wrote bluntly, “Why is Jonathan Owens just lying?”
Criticism of Owens isn’t new. The NFL veteran has faced scrutiny before, particularly when some fans questioned past comments about his relationship with Biles. Still, the couple’s public support for each other remains steady. Owens even received permission to skip training camp last summer so he could cheer Biles on at the Paris Olympics.
Despite the chatter, neither Owens nor Biles addressed the online noise. The two appeared relaxed and happy as they enjoyed Derby Day, sidestepping the backlash with grace.
The 151st Kentucky Derby aired Saturday on NBC, drawing celebrities, athletes, and plenty of headlines, as always.
Social Media Is Going Wild Over Simone Biles’ Outfit At The Kentucky Derby
Simone Biles (Photos via NBCOlympics/X)
Simone Biles absolutely stunned on the red carpet at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday as she set tongues wagging online following a memorable appearance at the prestigious event.
Biles and her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, stepped out to the Derby at Churchill Downs and made the “Riders Up” call, a term used for the ceremonial announcement that lets jockeys know when to mount their horses.
It’s become quite the tradition and has been performed by the likes of Martha Stewart, Patrick Mahomes, Jack Harlow, Laila Ali, and Baker Mayfield, among others.
The call was previously made by the Paddock Judge, but celebrities took over in 2012.
Simone Biles And Her Husband Made A Huge Impression
May 3, 2025; Louisville, KY, USA; Simone Biles and husband Jonathan Owens arrive on the Kentucky Derby red carpet (Photo via Scott Utterback/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Anyhoo, Biles was handed the honors this weekend and gosh, did she dress for the occasion. She arrived wearing a strapless, short violet dress with shiny emblems and a wide-brimmed lavender hat. Her husband complimented the look with a lavender blazer and white pants, as well as a sharp two-toned hat to match.
“Simone Biles hits the Kentucky Derby red carpet ahead of her Riders Up call!” NBC Olympics and Paralympics captioned a video showing them on the red carpet.
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The compliments came rolling in in the comments.
“They look great!” a user declared.
“Lavender Lovelies 💜,” added a second.
“What a power couple fr! 💪🏽💪🏾,” someone else noted.
“Best dressed💯,” a comment read.
If we’re being fair here, they killed it.
