Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has returned to the team's training camp, two weeks after his wife, Mia, was shot at their Virginia home. Bieniemy, who was granted an indefinite leave of absence following the July 26 incident, stated that his wife encouraged his return, saying he was driving the family "crazy" by remaining at home.
"She is on a road to recovery," Bieniemy said at a press conference Tuesday. "She is doing great. It's one of the main reasons why I'm back here because of her recovery. She is truly a soldier. She's a saint."
Bieniemy described how he watched practices remotely, offering loud commentary that surprised some family members present. "My language probably got a little colorful in the house," he admitted with a smile. "So she was like, 'You have my blessing to leave, so it was time to get back.'"
According to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, the couple's son, Elijah, 27, was charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling. Mia Bieniemy sustained serious injuries from multiple gunshot wounds.
Mia Bieniemy reportedly called 911 herself after the shooting. Bullet fragments remain inside her following surgery for wounds to her left forearm and shoulder that traveled across her chest, according to NBC Washington. Elijah Bieniemy is being held without bond, and a judge recently approved a motion for a mental health evaluation, as his public defender indicated he "appears to suffer from significant mental health issues."
Bieniemy, who previously served as offensive coordinator for the Chiefs from 2018 to 2022, winning two Super Bowls, thanked the Hunt family and the entire Chiefs organization for their support during the difficult time. He also expressed gratitude for the media's respect for his family's privacy.
"Obviously the unfortunate circumstances that took place is very hurtful in a way, but on top of that I just respect that you guys are respecting our privacy," Bieniemy said. "I also would like to say thank you to the Hunt family, the entire Chiefs family, for the outpouring the love and support that my family has received through this particular situation."