Simone Biles, the world’s most decorated gymnast, traded her competition leotard for a professional camera lens on Sunday night. During the Chicago Bears' primetime matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium, Biles appeared on the sidelines not as a spectator, but as a fully credentialed photographer.

The Olympic gold medalist was participating in the NFL’s Celebrity Photographer Series, a program that allows high-profile figures to join the league’s live content correspondent team. Biles was seen equipped with a professional Sony camera and a large telephoto lens, moving through the media areas to capture action shots of the game. To mark the occasion, she wore an official NFL media vest customized with the number "36," which is the jersey number worn by her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens.

Throughout the evening, Biles documented the "Sunday Night Football" contest from the field level. She was observed positioning herself among seasoned sports photojournalists to photograph players during warmups and game action. On social media, Biles referred to the experience as a "side gig" and a "side quest," sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of her new role with her followers. While on the sidelines, she was also seen interacting with other high-profile guests, including influencer Olivia Culpo, who is married to 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.

This appearance follows Biles' historic performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With the gymnastics season currently in its off-period, Biles has been a frequent presence at Bears games to support Owens. Owens, who joined the Chicago franchise on a two-year contract in March 2024 after a stint with the Green Bay Packers, started in the defensive secondary while Biles worked from the sidelines.

Biles is the latest in a string of notable figures to join the NFL’s photography initiative. Fellow Olympic gymnast Suni Lee recently took on the same role during a Christmas Day game between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. According to league officials, the program provides a unique perspective on the game by putting the camera in the hands of prominent cultural figures.