Jonathan Owens is a true example of perseverance. Trying to find a footing in the NFL, Owens remained undrafted till year 7 until he finally cracked the code. Initially signed with the Green Bay Packers, Owens made an instant mark. Owing to his impressive show for the Packers, the 29-year-old landed a massive deal with the Chicago Bears. And guess what, Owens created ripples by scoring an incredible touchdown during his first appearance for the Chicago-based side. And while his story sounds utterly motivating, Owens has been driven by an unexpected trauma that almost ruined his childhood. 

The Bears’ safety had great bonding with his father. Inclined towards playing football from childhood, it was Owens’ father who pushed him towards pursuing his dreams. Unfortunately, the father-son bonding did not last long. It was a normal day for Owens as he strolled to the field for his daily practice. But things soon took a harrowing turn. To his utter horror, Owens got the news of his father passing away. And there’s more. The demise was not natural! 

Speaking with Fox 32 Chicago a few days back, Owens recollected the incident saying, “My dad was sh*t and ki***d in on robbery… going into my senior year.” And this was where things began to change for Jonathan Owens. While any other athlete would have lost the plot, Owens became more focused. Driven by the trauma, Owens made it his mission to make it big in his life. Turning grief into determination, Owens got a sudden boost of energy. He immediately wanted his mother and his family to be safe. 

Speaking on the same lines, Owens was asked if he had done anything specific to honor his dad. Well, while Owens did not do anything spectacular, his words reflected how he still remembers his dad and draws inspiration from his untimely demise. Owens reflected, “I mean, no, but I got a tattoo of it right here. But it’s just one of those things that you just don’t forget about. It’s just a motivating thing for me. I always tell myself I don’t want to go back home, and that’s just my internal drive is I keep doing what I’m doing.”

Surely, Owens has succeeded in honoring his father through his athletic achievements. Soon after his father passed away, the 29-year-old went on to have the best season of his collegiate year. Meanwhile, his father is not the only one that Owens looks up to draw motivation from. He also takes inspiration from the ‘Never back down’ mentality of his champion wife, Simone Biles.

Jonathan Owens admires Simone Biles’ work ethic

Jonathan Owens had the front-row tickets to Simone Biles’ incredible comeback. While the world termed Biles as a ‘quitter’, it was Biles’ grit and determination that made her crack the trials for Paris. In fact, even in Paris, Biles had an injury scare when she tore her leg muscles just before the competition began. However, fighting through the pain, Biles not only competed, but also established herself as the GOAT. Biles won 3 gold and a silver medal to take herself to an unattainable level. And such a mindset left a significant impression on Jonathan Owens’ mind. 

Opining on how he marvels at Biles, Owens said on Fox 32 Chicago, “Just being with an elite athlete is just, and like me, being with her, it just motivates me every day. Like she’s the greatest in her sport ever, you know, so I’m like, some of that has to rub off on me. You know what I mean?” He also stated that his wife provides him with ample energy and positive vibes to keep him going. Thus, drawing inspiration from two of the most important people in his life, Jonathan Owens is truly on the path toward sporting greatness.