Navy’s Heidenreich appreciates shot, can help Steelers

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It was Friday morning as he was walking down from the Robert S. Carey Student Center at St. Vincent College for his third ever professional practice. Many people had recognized him, even as a rookie, but this recognition was different.

Fans line the steps and shout to Steelers players from all directions to sign all kinds of memorabilia. Then there was a fan who was shouting at Eli Heidenreich to sign a piece a paper. Not any piece of paper.

“Someone from Mt. Lebanon had a printed-out picture of me in sixth grade,” Heidenreich said with Pittsburgh reporters.

We’ve seen players sign all kinds of things from toilet seats to body parts, but a picture of you as a 12-year-old?

“I did not know them,” Heidenreich said. “I think they went to the same middle school I attended. I absolutely went over there.”

The Steelers drafting Heidenreich in the seventh round was one of the highlights of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Cameras caught the US Naval Academy star, and all the emotions, as he walked to the Acrisure Stadium stage following his selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers, a stadium 5.7 miles from his hometown.

Now a few months after the draft, to an extent he’s getting used to the attention.

“It’s pretty awesome,” Heidenreich said. “I try to stay after and give back to all the kids and people that took the time to come out here. I was once in their shoes. It means a lot to them.”

Heidenreich is in a crowded backfield trying to extend this dream beyond the preseason. He put up some crazy stats leaving school as the Midshipmen’s all-time leading receiver (1,994 yards), single-season leading receiver (941 yards) and all-time leader in receiving touchdowns (16) as a running back.

Now he is trying to doing whatever he can to make another football team.

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“I think the NFL, especially at the running back position, they value that versatility and that ability,” Heidenreich said. “You have to be a runner first and a protector first, but nowadays you have to be able to catch the football. Being able to make things happen in space in the passing game. I think that’s something that I will be able to carry over.”

Special teams is the priority for Heidenreich. He worked with the second-team punt unit calling out the snaps on Friday and said he’s enjoying being able to tackle, or at least simulate tackling, again.

It’s not lost on him the legends who have practiced on Chuck Noll field over the handful of decades the Steelers training at St. Vincent College. He personally owns a Troy Polamalu and Rod Woodson jersey as just a couple of names.

“The first day getting here, I put up on that hill right behind us overlooking the field,” Heidenreich said. “It was right around sunset time, so it was very picturesque. Just took a moment and really thought about all the time and prep I put in and where I’m at.”

“I’m just excited to have this opportunity.”