Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, who is married to Olympic gymnastics icon Simone Biles, successfully defended against an attempted bag theft while shopping in Milan, Italy. The incident occurred as Owens was in the city to watch events for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, where he has been seen accompanying Biles to various competitions.
Quick Reflexes Prevent Theft
Owens detailed the encounter on social media platform X, explaining that a stranger tried to grab his shopping bag unexpectedly. "Not somebody just tried to snatch my shopping bag in Milan," Owens wrote in his post. "Force of habit I had it tied around my hand so he couldn't get it and took off running immediately...but still crazy."
Thief's Failed Escape Attempt
In follow-up comments, Owens described the would-be thief's reaction as almost comical. He noted that it was "hilarious how slow" the individual "started running away once he saw he couldn't grab it out of my hand." Owens added that the man's "arms were moving faster than his legs" and remarked, "Should've seen his face once he realized I turned around and he couldn't grab it."
Preparation from Social Media
The NFL player attributed his readiness to avoid the theft to prior awareness from online content. Owens stated he had been "prepared" after having "seen too many TikTok's" about similar incidents. This foreknowledge led him to secure the bag tightly, ensuring there was "no way he could get it off my hand."
This event highlights the vigilance required while traveling, even for professional athletes like Owens, who is currently enjoying time in Milan with his wife, Simone Biles, ahead of the 2026 Winter Games.
