INDIANAPOLIS — The Circle City just inherited the ultimate athletic power couple. Safety Jonathan Owens officially joined the Indianapolis Colts on a one-year, $1.4 million deal Tuesday, ending his two-season run with the Chicago Bears. The news didn’t just ripple through the NFL; it sent shockwaves through the gymnastics world as his wife, 11-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles, confirmed she is ready to call Indiana home.
The Biles Effect Hits Lucas Oil Stadium
Biles wasted no time making her presence felt in Indy. Just days after celebrating her 29th birthday, the most decorated gymnast in history posted a series of photos from inside the Colts’ facility. Clad in a supportive message for her husband, Biles wrote to her 12 million followers: “Excited to call Indy home this upcoming football season. Beyond proud of you @jowens! Keep defeating the odds. I love you.”
The atmosphere at the Colts’ complex was electric as the couple toured the grounds. Local fans and athletes, including Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull, immediately flooded the comments to welcome the superstar pair. Biles even joked about joining Hull on the court, hinting at a potential height difference that had fans clamoring for a “cross-sport” collab in the city that Caitlin Clark turned into a basketball mecca.
Colts Bolster Defense with Veteran Grit
On the field, the 30-year-old Owens provides a steady hand for a secondary in transition. Following the departure of Nick Cross to Washington, GM Chris Ballard needed experience. Owens brings 82 games of NFL mileage, including a 2025 campaign where he logged 264 special teams snaps and 19 tackles for a struggling Bears squad. He isn’t the only new face in the locker room. The Colts have been aggressive this week, also securing:
- Arden Key: Defensive end, 2-year deal worth up to $20 million.
- Michael Clemons: Defensive lineman, 3-year deal worth $17.5 million.
- Derrick Nnadi: Defensive tackle, 1-year veteran minimum.
Owens will compete for reps alongside Cam Bynum, aiming to stabilize a unit that struggled with consistency late last year. His versatility on special teams and his ability to play both deep and in the box makes him a valuable asset for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s scheme.
“Indy, here we come. No Friday the 13th scaries here. So proud of you baby, keep chasing that dream.”
— Simone Biles via Instagram
What This Means for the 2026 Campaign
This move is about more than just depth. By bringing in Owens, Key, and Clemons, the Colts are signaling a “win-now” mentality for the 2026 season. Head coach Shane Steichen is under pressure to deliver a playoff run after a quiet 2025. Adding a veteran like Owens—who has seen the postseason with both the Texans and Packers—brings a professional edge to a young defensive backfield.
Expect the “Biles Effect” to be visible on the sidelines. Her presence at games often boosts local broadcast ratings and ticket demand. For a Colts team looking to re-establish its dominance in the AFC South, the added spotlight might be exactly the energy they need to push past the divisional hump.
