Simone Biles stands on the precipice of gymnastics history. As she puts the finishing touches on preparation for her third Summer Olympic Games, Biles is on the verge of a new US gymnastics record — and making the occasion even more special is the fact that her husband has been excused from his own job in the world of sports to be in Paris with her.

Biles last year married Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, who has proven to be nothing less than a devoted husband and her staunchest cheerleader. With training camps underway around the NFL, Owens has been granted some time off by the Bears to watch Biles in France — and now the superstar gymnast knows just when her husband will be on hand to watch her pursue more medals.

Bears excuse Owens for five days

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus this week confirmed how big an impression Owens has made on him since the defensive back made the move over to Chicago from the Green Bay Packers. Owens has been excused from a vital stretch of the team’s training camp — from July 29 to Aug. 3 — in order to see Biles compete in the July 30 team final, as well as the all-around final on Aug. 1.

“We respect the Olympics, that’s a big deal,” Eberflus told reporters. “He’s supporting the one he loves the most. I think that’s so cool that he gets to do that, we welcome that and it’s going to be awesome.”

Following her exploits at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships earlier this year, Biles became the first gymnast to win nine all-around titles at the event, and she is set now to become only the fourth American female artistic gymnast to compete at three separate Olympic Games.

After dropping out at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Biles — already the sport’s most dedicated gymnast with 37 combined medals — is more motivated than ever to return to the gymnastics summit. One more Olympic medal — either gold, silver, or bronze — will see Biles surpass Shannon Miller for the most by a U.S.-born gymnast.