Chicago Bears’ Jonathan Owens stops crime thanks to TikTok

While roaming the streets of Milan on Sunday, the NFL veteran said he was targeted in an attempted theft.

Sharing details of the encounter, Owens wrote on X that a man tried to snatch a shopping bag, but failed. He said the bag was looped securely around his wrist, preventing the suspect from pulling it away.

“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,” Owens noted.

When a fan asked whether the suspect was fast and if he could have tracked him down, the defensive standout replied, “Not fast at all bro, his arms were moving faster than his legs lol.”

Owens said the would-be thief looked stunned when he turned around. 

“Should’ve seen his face once he realized I turned around and he couldn’t grab it,” he continued.

Chicago Bears’ Jonathan Owens says TikTok prepared him to stop Milan theft

Another fan suggested letting the thief take the bag just to chase him down, prompting Owens to respond, “Honestly bro it was hilarious how slow he started running away once he saw he couldn’t grab it out of my hand.”

A third user even encouraged him to pursue and tackle the suspect. However, Owens said he never felt the bag was truly at risk.

“Honestly… it was no way he could get it off my hand,” he wrote.

The Bears safety added that he felt prepared after seeing videos of similar theft attempts on TikTok.

“I’ve seen too many TikTok’s of that happening so I was prepared,” he noted.

Owens seemed completely unfazed by the incident. He gave no indication that he contacted the police. He just carried on with his wife, enjoying the rest of their outing in one of the world’s leading fashion capitals. 

Owens’ reaction reflected the same alertness he displayed last season with the Bears. He played a key role in strengthening the team’s defense, recording 19 tackles. In 2024, he recorded 49 tackles, one forced fumble, one interception, and a touchdown. 

Despite his lower stats in 2025, he remained a vital presence in Chicago’s defense all season. He helped the Bears achieve their best finish since 2018, winning the NFC North title. His contract with the Bears expired following the 2025 campaign, making him a free agent now.