Milan is currently the epicenter of global adrenaline as the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold, but Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens just found himself in a different kind of high-stakes competition. While traveling with his wife, legendary gymnast Simone Biles, Owens proved that his NFL reflexes translate perfectly from the gridiron to the luxury streets of Italy. On Sunday, February 15, Owens took to X to reveal he was the target of an attempted “snatch-and-grab” robbery that went south for the perpetrator almost instantly.
The drama began following a high-end Valentine’s Day shopping spree. Biles, 28, had just finished sharing the spoils of her day on Instagram, showing off a custom Bottega Veneta handbag featuring a gold “SBO” monogram. However, the shopping experience Owens described nearly took a dark turn.
“Not somebody just tried to snatch my shopping bag in Milan, force of habit i had it tied around my hand so he couldn’t get it and took off running immediately,” Owens wrote. Despite the tension, the 30-year-old athlete added, “But still crazy.”
Not somebody just tried to snatch my shopping bag in Milan, force of habit i had it tied around my hand so he couldn’t get it and took off running immediately….but still crazy
— Jonathan Owens (@jjowens_3) February 15, 2026
The attempt failed primarily because Owens isn’t just a tourist; he’s an NFL defender who came prepared for the local hustle. When a follower asked if the thief was “fast,” the former Green Bay Packer couldn’t help but find the humor in the situation.
“Not fast at all bro, his arms were moving faster than his legs lol,” Owens replied. “Should’ve seen his face once he realized i turned around and he couldn’t grab it.” When fans suggested Owens should have chased the culprit down, the St. Louis native admitted the getaway was more comedy than thriller. “Honestly bro it was hilarious how slow he started running away once he saw he couldn’t grab it out of my hand,” Owens shared.
In a world of viral travel warnings, it turns out the NFL star stays as informed on social media trends as he does on offensive playbooks. Owens noted that his defensive strategy was inspired by digital awareness.
“It was no way he could get it off my hand,” Owens told another fan. “I’ve seen too many TikTok’s of that happening so i was prepared.”
While the encounter was a momentary lapse in the Olympic spirit, it hasn’t dampened the couple’s romantic getaway. Before the incident, Biles gushed over her husband’s generosity, posting, “Always spoiling me.” For Owens, the trip remains a milestone, as he reflected on his Instagram Stories: “The shopping in Milan is elite. [I’m a] long way from St. Louis, man.”
