The Bears gave safety Jonathan Owens time off to fly across the Atlantic and watch his wife Simone Biles compete in Olympic gymnastics. Granted, it was preseason in the NFL. So why wasn't Dansby Swanson granted the same privilege to watch his wife, Mallory Pugh, play in the Olympics?
Dansby Swanson's Decision
Dansby shared that he did not request time off to support his wife in the Olympics because she advised him not to. He spoke about staying connected with her and respecting his responsibilities with the Cubs.
Manager's Perspective
Cubs manager Craig Counsell empathized with Swanson's situation, acknowledging the difficulty he might face while watching his wife compete from afar. He suggested that Swanson’s absence would be understandable.
Watching from Home
Swanson described the experience of watching the game alone in his basement, fully focused on supporting his wife from a distance, indicating his emotional investment in the game despite not being there.
Reflecting on Mallory Swanson's Achievement
Mallory Pugh scored the only goal that led the U.S. women's soccer team to victory over Brazil. Dansby expressed immense happiness for her achievements, noting the significance of the moment for both of them.
Communication During the Event
After the match, Mallory managed to call Dansby briefly amidst the celebrations, and he encouraged her to enjoy the victory and soak in the moment, reflecting their supportive relationship.