Navy's Eli Heidenreich Drafted by Steelers in Epic 2026 NFL Draft Videos Celebrating Hometown Pick

The NFL draft is special for every player, but it was arguably a bit more special for Eli Heidenreich.

The former Navy running back was drafted in the seventh round by his hometown team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was in Pittsburgh at the draft to celebrate the moment.

Heidenreich grew up in Pittsburgh, attending Mt. Lebanon High School before committing to Navy.

During his time with the Midshipmen, he was one of the most versatile running backs in all of college football, as he racked up 1,157 rushing yards, 1,994 receiving yards and 23 total touchdowns. He holds the records for the most receiving touchdowns and most receiving yards in Navy history.

In October, during a matchup against Air Force, Heidenreich hauled in eight catches for 243 yards and three touchdowns. Later in the season, he had five catches for 146 yards in a win over South Florida.

Heidenreich was the No. 225 overall player and the No. 13-ranked running back on the final big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

Eric Galko, the director of football operations for the East-West Shrine Bowl, noted Heidenreich's similarities to another versatile running back, Christian McCaffrey.

Heidenreich may have been a late draft pick, but he's still looking to make an impact for the Steelers under new head coach Mike McCarthy. He'll get the chance to do so in front of his hometown fans this fall.