You’d think after winning enough gold to sink a small ship, Simone Biles could walk into any stadium on earth and be greeted with nothing but rose petals and bowing. But then she stepped onto the turf at Soldier Field.
Honestly, it was a total "oops" moment that set the internet on fire.
In August 2024, the gymnastics GOAT showed up to support her husband, Jonathan Owens, during a Chicago Bears preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The problem? She wasn't wearing navy and orange. She was rocking a massive, oversized Green Bay Packers jacket. For anyone not from the Midwest, wearing Packers gear in a Bears stadium is basically like wearing a "Go Red Sox" shirt to a Yankees wedding. It just isn't done.
The Jacket That Launched a Thousand Tweets
The simone biles chicago bears outfit in question was a custom-made piece. It was actually really sentimental—it featured a collage of black-and-white photos of Owens in action. The catch was that those photos were from his 2023 season when he played for the Packers. Huge "G" logos were visible right on the shoulder pads.
Fans went nuclear.
"She’s ridiculously unaware of her surroundings," one fan posted on X. Another jokingly suggested she should be stripped of her medals. It was all a bit much, but it highlighted a massive culture clash. Simone, who has spent her entire life in the world of individual sports, probably viewed the jacket as "Jonathan gear." Chicago fans, however, saw "Enemy gear."
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Even her friends tried to warn her. In an episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks, a friend literally told her, "I would be taking that jacket off if I were you." Simone didn't budge. She kept it on, though she did eventually post a TikTok where she playfully pushed the jacket off her shoulders to reveal a black romper, captioning it "Go Bears."
Why the Backlash Was Actually Kind of Silly
If we're being real, it’s not like she was rooting against her husband. She was supporting the man, not the brand. Jonathan Owens signed a two-year deal with Chicago in March 2024 after his stint in Green Bay. The transition was quick.
Chase Daniel, a former NFL QB, summed it up perfectly when he said she gets a pass because she’s the greatest Olympian ever. But he still had to acknowledge that the rivalry is over 100 years old. People in Chicago take this stuff seriously. Like, "don't-put-ketchup-on-your-hot-dog" seriously.
The Redemption Tour: Winter 2024 and 2025
Simone is a fast learner. She didn't stay in the "doghouse" for long. By the time the regular season rolled around, her wardrobe had undergone a complete Bears-centric overhaul.
By late 2024, she was seen at Soldier Field in a much more "appropriate" ensemble. She traded the Packers fleece for a navy blue and orange Bears sweater, a white mini skirt, and stunning white cowboy boots. She even hit the "Caleb Williams claw" move to show she was fully on board with the new era of Chicago football.
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Then came the "Big Fur" era.
In December 2024, during a freezing game against the Detroit Lions, Simone leveled up. She wore:
- A custom black shirt with a bedazzled "36" (Owens' jersey number).
- A luxury Prada puffer coat and matching bucket hat.
- $1,390 Prada ski boots because, well, she's Simone Biles.
She later admitted to Olympics.com that she actually lets the creators "freeball it." She told them, "Surprise me," and they delivered the goods. She stopped overthinking the team politics and started leaning into high-fashion WAG (Wives and Girlfriends) style, similar to what we see with Taylor Swift or Brittany Mahomes.
The 2025-2026 Season Look
Fast forward to the 2025-2026 season finale against the Detroit Lions in early January. Simone didn't just wear a jersey; she wore custom red No. 36 pants and a cropped white fur jacket. It was a total runway moment. She’s become a staple on the sidelines, and the "Packers jacket incident" has mostly turned into a funny piece of trivia.
What This Teaches Us About Sports Fashion
You can't just wear whatever you want in the NFL, even if you're the GOAT. Team loyalty is a religion. But Simone also showed that you can bridge the gap by making the outfits about the person, not just the logo.
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Most of her successful outfits have focused on the number 36. Whether it's custom earrings, "Owens" printed down the leg of her joggers, or a "good luck charm" bear on her purse, she shifted the narrative. She made the simone biles chicago bears outfit a brand of its own.
Honestly, the whole thing was a masterclass in PR recovery. She didn't apologize—because why should she? She just showed up next time looking even better in the right colors.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Game Day:
- Know the Rivalries: If you're going to a game, check who the "mortal enemy" is. Avoid those colors at all costs.
- Go Custom: If you want to stand out, don't just buy a jersey from the pro shop. Reach out to independent designers on Instagram or TikTok who specialize in "reworked" sports gear.
- Prioritize the Player: If you’re there for one person, lean into their specific details (number, name, or even a portrait) rather than just the generic team logo. It feels more personal and less like a corporate billboard.
- Weather is a Factor: As Simone learned in Chicago, a -20 wind chill doesn't care about your outfit. Invest in high-end puffers or faux fur if you want to stay stylish while your toes are freezing off.
If you're looking to replicate that custom look, start by searching for "reworked NFL denim jackets" or "custom jersey pants" on platforms like Etsy. Most of these creators can take an old jersey and turn it into a high-fashion piece that works for the sidelines.