For the first time since his wife was shot, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy returned to the lectern for a press conference appearance.
Bieniemy told reporters on Tuesday, Aug. 18 that his wife, Mia, is still recovering from multiple gunshot wounds suffered during an incident at the Bieniemy family's home in Ashburn, Virginia on July 26.
"She's on a great road to recovery," he said. "She is doing great. It's one of the main reasons why I'm back here – because of her recovery. She's truly a soldier. She's a saint. And it's been incredible to watch.
"But with that said, I know I was driving her and a bunch of my family members crazy in the house. So, she was like, 'You have my blessing to leave.' So it was time to get back."
Bieniemy returned to practice on Monday, Aug. 10 after a two-week absence. His press conference on Aug. 18 was the first media availability session for the Chiefs' coach since the incident.
Before the update on his wife, Bieniemy opened the press conference by thanking the reporters in attendance for respecting his privacy and thanked "the entire Chief family" for their love and support.
"First and foremost I want to say this: Thank you, guys, for all the love, the support," Bieniemy said. "Obviously the unfortunate circumstances which took place is very hurtful, but on top of that, I just respect that you guys are respecting our privacy. And hats off to you.
"I also would like to say thank you to the Hunt family, the entire Chief family, for the outpouring of love and support that my family has received through this particular situation."
The Chiefs' offensive coordinator also said he was able to check in on practices virtually once his wife was stable in her recovery. Bieniemy joked that he found himself yelling at the screen – ripping into players, coaches and himself, he said – while watching livestreams of practice at home.
"My language probably got a little colorful in the house," Bieniemy said.
Bieniemy's return last week preceded the Chiefs' first game of the preseason: a 20-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Aug. 15. He'll be back on the sideline once again for Kansas City's second preseason game on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, Aug. 22.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Eric Bieniemy has positive update on his wife's status after shooting
