Eric Bieniemy Jr., the Chicago Bears’ running backs coach and former NFL running back, is widely recognized for his achievements on the football field, but his most defining role has always been that of a father.
Together with his wife, Mia, Bieniemy has raised two sons, Eric Bieniemy III and Elijah Bieniemy, whose lives have shaped his choices both personally and professionally.
While his career has brought fame, awards, and coaching accolades, the story of Eric Bieniemy’s kids reveals the depth of his commitment to family and the sacrifices he has made to protect and support his sons.
Eric Bieniemy III, the couple’s eldest son, was born with cerebral palsy and respiratory challenges, making him a high-risk individual for health concerns.
His condition has influenced nearly every decision the family makes, and Bieniemy has spoken candidly about how much his son’s strength inspires and directs their household.
“He’s the rock of the family,” Bieniemy said, describing how Eric III sets the pace for daily life.
“We’re on his schedule. He makes all of the decisions. He’s doing great. He’s in high school, and he’s one of the school favorites.”
Denver Post
Rather than seeing his son’s condition as a limitation, Bieniemy and Mia have embraced Eric III’s independence, celebrating his achievements and the joy he brings to everyone around him.
The extent of Bieniemy’s dedication was evident during the 2020 NFL season, when he was serving as offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs.
In a remarkable act of personal sacrifice, Bieniemy chose to live in a hotel for nearly six months, from late July through the Super Bowl, so as not to expose Eric III to COVID-19.
He would return home on Fridays under strict precautions, wearing double masks, maintaining distance, and even sleeping in the basement to ensure his son’s safety.
Though the separation was emotionally challenging, Bieniemy saw it as a necessary measure to protect the child he describes as the guiding force of the family.
This act highlighted not only his devotion as a father but also the quiet heroism behind the scenes that often goes unseen in professional sports.
Bieniemy’s younger son, Elijah, has followed a more traditional athletic path, competing in varsity football, wrestling, and track and field at Olathe Northwest High School in Kansas, from which he graduated in 2017.
Despite his extensive knowledge and success in coaching, Bieniemy made a conscious choice not to coach Elijah directly, understanding that his involvement could interfere with their father-son relationship.
Instead, he focused on supporting Elijah as a parent, cheering him on during games and providing guidance when needed, while allowing his son the space to develop independently in sports.
Throughout his life, Bieniemy has balanced an extraordinary football career with the demands of fatherhood.
From setting records at Colorado to playing for the San Diego Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Philadelphia Eagles, and later guiding NFL teams as a coach, his professional success is impressive.
Yet, it is his role as a father that truly defines him. The Bieniemys have created a family life built on love and indefinable support for each other, with Eric III’s needs shaping the rhythm of the household and Elijah thriving under his father’s steady guidance.
While Bieniemy has won accolades, coached MVPs, and contributed to Super Bowl victories, it is the lives of his sons and the commitment he shows to them that reveal the heart of the man behind the football career.
His life illustrates that no achievement on the field can surpass the impact of a father who puts his children first, navigating every challenge with love, patience, and determination to ensure both Eric III and Elijah flourish.
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