INDIANAPOLIS — The Circle City is gaining a powerhouse couple. Veteran safety Jonathan Owens officially signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts on Friday, March 13, 2026. The move ends his two-year stay in Chicago and brings 11-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles to the AFC South. Biles wasted no time sharing the news, celebrating her husband’s 30-year-old milestone and his new NFL home just a day before her own 29th birthday.
Friday the 13th Luck for the Colts
While many fear the date, Biles embraced the timing of the signing. “No Friday the 13th scaries here,” she posted to her Instagram Stories, adding a proud “Indy, here we come!” for her millions of followers. The signing comes at a critical time for Indianapolis. General Manager Chris Ballard is working to patch a secondary that struggled with depth last year. Owens brings a veteran presence and a reputation as a special teams hammer to a defense led by coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Last season, Owens saw most of his action on special teams for the Bears. He finished the 2025 campaign with 19 total tackles. His time in Chicago ended on a bittersweet note in January. The Bears fought through a snowy, 20-17 overtime thriller against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round, but ultimately fell short when the “Thiccer Kicker” Harrison Mevis nailed a game-winning field goal. Now, Owens trades the icy winds of Soldier Field for the climate-controlled comfort of Lucas Oil Stadium.
“It means the world to me. And I know it means so much to him for me to be able to go and support his games… he’s always looking for me on the sideline to give him, like, good luck vibes and wishes. That’s just his superstition.”
— Simone Biles, Olympic Gold Medalist
Filling the Gap in the Secondary
The Colts needed this move after losing starter Nick Cross to the Washington Commanders earlier in the free agency period. Owens joins a safety room that currently features Cam Bynum and fellow newcomer Juanyeh Thomas. While Owens might not be the locked-in starter on day one, his 35 career starts across the Texans, Packers, and Bears provide the “blue-collar” reliability the Colts value.
Fans in Indianapolis should also prepare for a sideline fashion upgrade. During Owens’ time in Chicago and Green Bay, Biles became a viral sensation for her custom game-day attire. She often rocked jerseys decked out with Owens’ No. 36 or even custom jackets featuring his face. She admits she usually “wings it” with creators to keep the looks fresh. As the Colts gear up for the 2026 season, the atmosphere in the stands just got a lot more golden.
