Simone Biles is speaking up about the “WAG” label, explaining why it personally doesn’t ruffle her feathers.
The Olympic gold medalist’s marriage to NFL player Jonathan Owens made her a part of the Wives and Girlfriends of professional athletes.
Beyond her life as a wife, Biles has built a life with Owens, whom she met in 2020 before they married in 2023. The couple has remained unwavering in their support for each other as they balance her gymnastics career and his NFL career.
Simone Biles Explains Why She Does Not Find The WAG Label ‘Derogatory‘
Biles has no problem being identified as a WAG, even though she is one of the world’s most decorated gymnasts of all time.
“It just doesn’t bother me because I know who I am and what I’ve accomplished outside of it,” Biles told US Weekly, pointing to her Olympic achievements and her work in mental health.
According to her, the WAG label does not take anything away from the accomplishments that have defined her career.
“It doesn’t matter when somebody’s like, ‘Oh, Simone’s one of the WAGs,” the athlete noted. “To me, it doesn’t seem derogatory because I know exactly who I am.”
Jonathan Owens Is Also Comfortable Being Known As ‘Mr. Biles’
Biles isn’t the only one who remains unbothered by the change of status marriage has brought.
The Blast previously reported that Owens has also discussed being identified through his wife. The NFL player said he views being called “Mr. Biles” positively, especially because his marriage to the Olympic champion says a lot about him.
He also acknowledged that people judge NFL players partly by who they choose as their significant other.
Owens, however, opened up about the attention surrounding their marriage, including the scrutiny he faced after comments about Biles in 2023. At the time, he claimed he didn’t know who his wife was before they met.
Despite the backlash, Biles supported him and encouraged him to treat the negativity as noise.
Simone Biles Is Changing How She Supports Jonathan Owens
Before addressing her “WAG” title, Simone Biles revealed she’s taking a different approach to supporting her man during the new NFL season.
As The Blast reported, she will not travel to his away games this year, choosing instead to stay home and focus on her own work on those weekends.
Last year, Biles attended every one of Owens’ games, both home and away. She previously explained that making that commitment was difficult, even though she wanted to be there for him because he also shows up for her.
This season, the couple is adjusting to a different routine as Owens continues his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts.
Simone Biles And Jonathan Owens’ Relationship Started During The Pandemic
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens first connected on the dating app Raya in 2020, as the world navigated the pandemic. Biles recalled discovering Owens was in the Houston area, which led to them chatting before meeting in person a week or two later.
The relationship quickly became serious, and the couple made it official on Instagram before Owens proposed on Valentine’s Day in 2022.
They married in a Houston courthouse ceremony in 2023 before celebrating with a larger wedding in Cabo San Lucas.
Simone Biles’ Career Remains Bigger Than The WAG Label
Biles’ focus on her gymnastics future also reflects the career she has built beyond her marriage.
Last month, the gymnast returned to the World Champions Center, where she shared a glimpse of her old locker, which had remained untouched since her pre-Olympic preparations.
As The Blast reported, the post sparked fresh discussion about a possible competitive return.
Biles has not confirmed whether she will compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, previously describing her decision as “50-50.” She has also said that her mental health will play a major role in deciding whether she returns to competition.
