Jonathan Owens has built his career in professional football through persistence, versatility and a willingness to keep working after setbacks. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he went from playing college football at Missouri Western State University to entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent. His professional journey has included stops with the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts. Alongside his football career, Jonathan Owens has also become widely known because of his marriage to Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, but his story extends well beyond his relationship with one of the world’s most successful athletes.
Who Is Jonathan Owens?
Jonathan Owens is an American professional football safety who has competed in the National Football League since 2018. He currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts, where he wears No. 38 and contributes primarily as a defensive back and special-teams player. His path to the NFL was not straightforward because he was not selected during the 2018 NFL Draft, forcing him to earn opportunities as an undrafted player. Instead of allowing that setback to define his career, he continued developing his game and eventually established himself as an experienced NFL safety.
Owens has become particularly valuable because of his ability to contribute in different areas. During different stages of his career, he has taken defensive snaps, played against the run, covered receivers and made an impact on special teams. His career has therefore been shaped not only by individual statistics but also by his ability to remain on NFL rosters and adapt to changing roles. By 2026, he had accumulated experience across multiple organizations and entered another chapter of his career with Indianapolis.
Jonathan Owens Age, Height and Personal Details
Jonathan Owens was born on July 22, 1995, in St. Louis, Missouri. He turned 31 in July 2026 and has spent more than a decade developing as a football player since his college years. His professional experience has given him a different perspective on the NFL compared with players who enter the league as highly drafted prospects. The fact that he reached the league without being drafted is an important part of understanding his career.
His listed height is around 5 feet 11 inches, while his playing weight has been listed around 204 pounds on the current Colts roster. As a safety, that physical profile allows him to combine mobility with the strength needed for tackling and run support. His athletic ability was also visible before he entered the NFL, when he produced impressive testing numbers during his professional evaluation.
Some basic facts about Jonathan Owens include:
- Full name: Jonathan James Owens
- Date of birth: July 22, 1995
- Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri
- Age: 31 in 2026
- Height: 5 feet 11 inches
- Position: Safety
- College: Missouri Western State University
- NFL entry: 2018
- Draft status: Undrafted free agent
- Current team: Indianapolis Colts
- Jersey number: 38
Early Life and Family Background
Jonathan Owens grew up in St. Louis and developed an interest in sports at an early age. His athletic ability eventually became the foundation for a football career that continued through high school and college. He attended Christian Brothers College High School, where he established himself as a productive defensive player. His performances helped him earn recognition and created the opportunity to continue playing football at the collegiate level.
His college recruitment eventually led him to Missouri Western State University. Although Missouri Western was not one of the biggest names in college football, the program provided Owens with an opportunity to develop and receive meaningful playing time. That opportunity became especially important because he would later have to prove to NFL teams that he could compete at the professional level despite coming from a smaller college program.
Jonathan Owens College Football Career
Owens played college football at Missouri Western State University from 2013 through 2017. His development there was one of the most important stages of his career because he became increasingly productive as he gained experience. He finished his college career with strong defensive numbers and earned recognition within the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.
His senior season was particularly productive. Owens started all 11 games in 2017 and recorded 95 tackles, along with two interceptions. He was named Second Team All-MIAA and was also recognized as Missouri Western’s Male Student-Athlete of the Year. Those accomplishments helped demonstrate that he had the consistency and athletic ability needed to pursue professional football.
His college production included several notable seasons:
- 2014: 20 tackles and one interception
- 2015: 85 tackles and four interceptions
- 2016: 60 tackles with forced and recovered fumbles
- 2017: 95 tackles and two interceptions
- Career development: increasing responsibility as a defensive player
Owens also demonstrated impressive athletic testing before entering the NFL. His reported testing included a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, a 43-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot broad jump. Those numbers showed that his physical tools were considerable even though he ultimately went undrafted.
How Jonathan Owens Entered the NFL
Jonathan Owens entered the NFL in 2018 after signing with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent. Not being selected in the draft meant he had to compete for every opportunity rather than receiving the security and expectations normally associated with a drafted player. He spent time with Arizona during the early portion of his professional career, but the organization ultimately waived him before he could establish himself as a regular contributor.
The next major opportunity came with the Houston Texans. Owens joined the Texans’ practice squad in 2019 before eventually moving onto the active roster later that year. This period was important because it gave him a chance to learn the professional game, adjust to the speed of NFL competition and compete for defensive and special-teams responsibilities.
Jonathan Owens NFL Career
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals gave Owens his first opportunity to enter professional football. He signed with the organization in 2018 after going undrafted, beginning his journey toward becoming an established NFL player. Although his initial stay with Arizona was limited, the experience gave him an introduction to the demands of professional football.
For an undrafted player, simply receiving an NFL opportunity can be significant. Owens had to compete against players who had been drafted and others with established professional experience. His release did not end his career, and instead became one of the early obstacles he had to overcome.
Houston Texans
Houston became the organization where Owens began to establish himself as a legitimate NFL contributor. After joining the Texans’ practice squad in 2019, he eventually earned a place on the active roster. Over the following seasons, his defensive responsibilities increased, and he became one of the team’s more productive tacklers.
The 2022 season was an especially important point in Jonathan Owens’ development. He appeared in all 17 games and recorded 125 combined tackles, establishing a career high at that stage. His ability to consistently make tackles helped increase his profile around the league and demonstrated that he could handle a significant workload at safety.
Green Bay Packers
Owens signed with the Green Bay Packers for the 2023 season, giving him an opportunity to continue his development in a different defensive system. He appeared in 17 regular-season games and recorded 84 combined tackles. The move also gave him additional exposure as his career continued to progress.
His time in Green Bay was significant for another reason because it came during a period when his personal life received substantial public attention. His relationship with Simone Biles had already become widely known, but Owens continued working toward establishing his own identity as an NFL player.
Chicago Bears
In 2024, Owens joined the Chicago Bears on a two-year contract. His role with Chicago included both defensive and special-teams responsibilities, and he remained available throughout the regular season. During the 2024 campaign, he recorded 49 combined tackles and also produced an interception, forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Owens’ ability to contribute on special teams became increasingly important during this stage of his career. His willingness to play different roles helped him remain useful even when his defensive workload changed. He continued with the Bears in 2025, appearing in all 17 regular-season games and contributing primarily in a more limited defensive role while remaining involved on special teams.
Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Owens joined the Indianapolis Colts in 2026 after spending the previous two seasons with Chicago. The Colts signed him to a one-year contract as they added veteran experience to their safety group. His arrival marked the fifth NFL organization of his professional career.
The move also gave Owens another chance to demonstrate his versatility. Indianapolis entered the 2026 season with a player who had already experienced several defensive systems and understood the demands of both defense and special teams. Through the early portion of the 2026 regular season, Owens had appeared in four games and recorded three tackles.
Jonathan Owens Stats
Jonathan Owens stats show a player whose value has changed depending on his role and team. His career numbers include substantial defensive production, particularly during his time with Houston and Green Bay. Rather than judging his career only by interceptions or sacks, his overall statistics demonstrate that tackling has been one of his most consistent strengths.
His strongest statistical season came in 2022 with Houston, when he recorded 125 combined tackles. The following year in Green Bay, he produced another strong campaign with 84 tackles. His numbers later changed as his role became more focused on special teams and situational defensive work.
Some notable career statistics include:
- 125 combined tackles in 2022
- 84 combined tackles in 2023
- 49 combined tackles in 2024
- 19 combined tackles in 2025
- Two career interceptions through the 2025 season
- Multiple forced fumbles and fumble recoveries
- More than 80 NFL regular-season games played entering the 2026 season
The statistics also show why Owens has remained in the NFL despite changes in his defensive role. His experience, tackling ability and special-teams contribution have allowed him to continue finding opportunities. For a player who entered the league undrafted, maintaining a professional career across several organizations represents a significant achievement.
Jonathan Owens Contract
The Jonathan Owens contract history reflects the gradual development of his NFL career. He initially entered the league without being drafted, meaning his first professional opportunities came through free-agent agreements rather than a lucrative rookie draft contract. As he gained experience and became a more established contributor, his opportunities improved.
His move to Indianapolis in 2026 came through a one-year contract. The agreement gave the Colts an experienced veteran safety without requiring a long-term commitment. For Owens, the deal provided another opportunity to remain in the NFL and compete for defensive and special-teams responsibilities.
Contract value should always be considered in context because NFL agreements can include base salary, guarantees, bonuses and other provisions. Reported figures can also differ depending on whether they include incentives or other components. For that reason, discussions of Jonathan Owens contract earnings should distinguish between the official contract structure and estimates published by third-party outlets.
Jonathan Owens Net Worth and NFL Earnings
Jonathan Owens net worth is a frequently searched topic, particularly because of his successful NFL career and marriage to Simone Biles. However, there is no universally verified public figure that can establish his exact personal net worth. Estimates found online can differ considerably because they may use different assumptions about salary, endorsements, investments, taxes and personal assets.
A more reliable way to understand his financial position is to look at his professional earnings. Owens has spent multiple seasons on NFL rosters and has signed contracts with several organizations throughout his career. His income has also potentially included endorsement opportunities and other professional appearances, although those figures are generally not publicly disclosed in full.
It is important not to confuse household wealth with Jonathan Owens’ individual net worth. He and Simone Biles are both successful professionals with their own careers and income sources. Any article discussing his finances should therefore treat exact net-worth estimates cautiously rather than presenting an unverified number as a confirmed fact.
Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles
Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles first connected through the dating app Raya in 2020. Their relationship developed during a period when both were dealing with demanding professional schedules. Owens was building his NFL career while Biles remained one of the biggest names in international gymnastics.
The couple became engaged in February 2022. Their relationship later moved into marriage, creating one of the most recognizable sports couples in the United States. Although Biles’ global fame brought significant attention to Owens, he has continued to pursue his own career in professional football.
Jonathan Owens Wife and Their Marriage
Jonathan Owens’ wife is Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. The couple legally married in April 2023 in Houston before holding a larger celebration in Cabo San Lucas. Their wedding became widely covered because of Biles’ status as one of the most decorated gymnasts in history and Owens’ career in the NFL.
Their relationship has continued while both maintain demanding professional schedules. Owens has supported Biles during major gymnastics competitions, including the Paris 2024 Olympics, while Biles has also supported him during his football career. Their ability to manage two professional sports careers has become an important part of their public story.
Life as a Sports Power Couple
The relationship between Owens and Biles has attracted attention beyond their professional achievements. Both athletes have had to deal with travel, training schedules, competition pressure and the expectations that come with being public figures. Their careers often require them to spend time in different cities, making mutual support especially important.
Owens has spoken positively about supporting Biles during gymnastics competitions. He has also attended major events connected to her career, including the 2024 Olympics. Biles, meanwhile, has continued to show support for Owens as he moved between NFL organizations and eventually joined the Colts.
Jonathan Owens in 2026
The 2026 season represents another chapter in Jonathan Owens’ NFL career. After two seasons with the Chicago Bears, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts and entered his ninth NFL season. His move to Indianapolis also came during a period when his wife was continuing to balance her own career and personal commitments.
Owens has remained involved with the Colts during the 2026 campaign. Early-season statistics showed four games played and three tackles through the first portion of the season. As the season progresses, his role and statistics can change depending on defensive opportunities and special-teams responsibilities.
His 2026 season has also included support from Biles. She traveled to London in October to attend the Colts’ international game against Washington, where Indianapolis secured a 30–13 victory. Moments like this demonstrate how the couple continues to support each other’s professional careers even when their schedules take them around the world.
What Makes Jonathan Owens’ Career Interesting?
The most notable part of Jonathan Owens’ story is the path he took to reach and remain in the NFL. He did not enter the league as a first-round prospect with years of guaranteed attention. Instead, he went undrafted, spent time trying to secure a roster position and gradually built a career through opportunities with different teams.
Several aspects of his career stand out:
- He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
- He developed from a practice-squad player into a regular NFL contributor.
- He recorded more than 100 tackles in a season.
- He has played for five NFL organizations.
- He has contributed on both defense and special teams.
- He has remained in the league through multiple changes in role.
- He has built a career independently of his public relationship with Simone Biles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jonathan Owens
Who is Jonathan Owens?
Jonathan Owens is an American professional football safety who plays for the Indianapolis Colts. He entered the NFL in 2018 as an undrafted free agent and has also played for the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.
How old is Jonathan Owens?
Jonathan Owens was born on July 22, 1995, making him 31 years old in 2026. He was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, before playing college football at Missouri Western State University.
How tall is Jonathan Owens?
Jonathan Owens is listed at approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall. His playing weight has been listed around 204 pounds on the Indianapolis Colts roster.
Who is Jonathan Owens’ wife?
Jonathan Owens’ wife is Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. They met in 2020, became engaged in 2022 and married in 2023.
What is Jonathan Owens’ net worth?
There is no officially confirmed public figure for Jonathan Owens’ exact net worth. His NFL contracts provide a clearer indication of his professional earnings, while online net-worth estimates should be treated as unofficial because they can vary and are not based on a complete public financial statement.
Conclusion
Jonathan Owens’ journey from a college football player at Missouri Western State to an established NFL safety is a story built around persistence and adaptation. He entered professional football without being drafted, worked his way through the Cardinals and Texans organizations, and eventually became a regular contributor with the Packers and Bears before joining the Indianapolis Colts in 2026. His statistics, particularly his tackling production, show that he has been capable of making a meaningful contribution when given significant defensive responsibility.
His marriage to Simone Biles has undoubtedly increased public interest in his life, but it does not define his football career. Jonathan Owens has spent years developing his own professional identity through multiple NFL teams, different defensive roles and special-teams responsibilities. As he continues his career with Indianapolis, his future will depend on the same qualities that helped him reach the league in the first place: preparation, versatility and the ability to take advantage of every opportunity.
