Charges Against Elijah Bieniemy
Elijah Bieniemy, the 27-year-old son of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, is facing charges related to the shooting of his mother, Mia Bieniemy, in Ashburn, Virginia. Mia Bieniemy was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds. She is now reported to be in stable condition.
This incident has brought a wave of shock and concern. Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid has offered support to the Bieniemy family during this difficult time.
Firing of Ben Steele
The Washington Commanders have announced the firing of their tight ends coach, Ben Steele, following his arrest last month for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Steele was set to begin his tenure with the Commanders but the franchise confirmed they are parting ways with him.
Steel’s arrest also comes with additional charges, including refusal to submit to a blood or breath test, obstruction of an officer without force, and improper signaling while changing lanes, as indicated by Virginia court records.
Team and Career Details
The Commanders are expected to announce Steele’s replacement soon, as their training camp kicks off the following day. Wes Welker, a former NFL wide receiver, served as the interim tight ends coach during Steele’s leave of absence.
Ben Steele has an extensive coaching history in the NFL. He previously worked with teams such as the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos. Before his coaching career, Steele played the tight end position professionally with the Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans.
His notable coaching achievement includes guiding Trey McBride, a Colorado State product, to two Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro honor with the Arizona Cardinals. McBride accumulated over 1,100 yards each season, peaking with 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025.
Commanders’ Recent Moves
The Commanders have signed Chig Okonkwo to enhance their tight end lineup. Last season, John Bates and Ben Sinnott took charge at the position amidst a challenging year that followed their NFC Championship appearance.
The team’s overall performance was impacted by quarterback Jayden Daniels’ injury, which limited him to seven games. His absence contributed to Washington’s 5-12 record. The Commanders aim to replicate their 2024 success, where they finished 12-5, and Daniels secured Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Conclusion
The ongoing legal issues within NFL teams have stirred the sports world, with both family and professional dynamics affected. The Chiefs and Commanders are navigating these challenges as they prepare for the upcoming season.