LATROBE (93.7 The Fan) – It was just seven months ago Eli Heidenreich was in Acrisure Stadium cheering for the Steelers against the Ravens. It was about three-and-a-half months ago the Steelers drafted Heidenreich just outside of Acrisure Stadium. Thursday, he’ll play in it for the first time in black and gold.
“It’s an honor to get to play in that stadium, I think that’s the best way for me to put it,” Heidenreich said Tuesday after practice at St. Vincent College. “It’s something I’ve dreamed of for a long time and I’m excited to get out there.”
You likely know the story of the Naval Academy star being drafted in the seventh round. Now he’s in a battle to make an NFL roster.
“For me, preseason is really important,” Heidenreich said. “I got to put my best foot forward and be locked in when I get there. Maybe I will take a moment afterwards, but while I’m getting there and in the game, I’ll be focused up.”
The record-setting running back missed a few days of training camp due to an undisclosed injury. He says he feels great now, is healed up, spent time getting mental reps and expects to be full go against the Packers.
Special teams is where he likely makes the team. He’s worked on punts, kickoff returns and kickoff coverage. He played all four phases at Navy and believes that’s giving him an edge right now.
“I’m excited for that opportunity,” Heidenreich said. “Special teams is such an important part of the game of football. It’s absolutely a way that anyone can go contribute. I’m looking to go do that.”
If he needs any motivation about being a late-round draft pick and making a roster, he can look to Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle. The Steelers top two running backs each went undrafted, worked their way up and now are the lead ball carriers.
“Look our two starting running backs right now,” Heidenreich said. “It’s how you work and how you prepare. You’ll be given some sort of opportunity, it might be more than others or less than others. You just have to make the most of what you got. That comes from practice and putting your best foot forward and giving yourself the best chance to shine.”
His family and likely a lot of his friends will be at the game Thursday night. The hope would be it could be as special as the NFL Draft. Also, potentially the chance to prove those who think him being drafted was more public relations than real shot.
“Naturally there’s some people that might assume that it was a hometown pick or whatever someone wants to say, but I’m here to play football and that’s it,” Heidenreich said.
7th round pick focused to make the team, not just be a cool Draft story
7th round pick focused to make the team, not just be a cool Draft story
