Eli Heidenreich

Elijah Heidenreich (born July 28, 2003) is an American professional football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Navy Midshipmen and was selected by the Steelers in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL draft.

Early life Heidenreich attended Mt. Lebanon High School in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. During his senior season, he finished with 54 catches for 1,325 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading his team to a state championship. Coming out of high school, Heidenreich committed to play college football for the Navy Midshipmen.

College career During his first season in 2022, he did not appear in any games. During the 2023 season, Heidenreich notched 214 rushing yards and a touchdown, while also bringing in 19 receptions for 382 yards and four touchdowns. In week six of the 2024 season, he notched 100 yards on the ground, while also hauling in five passes for 101 yards in a win against rival Air Force. He finished the 2024 season, rushing for 444 yards and three touchdowns, while also hauling in 39 passes for 671 yards and six touchdowns. In week six of the 2025 season, Heidenreich recorded eight receptions for 243 yards and three touchdowns in a win over rival Air Force, where he set team records for receiving yards in a game, and career receiving touchdowns. In week twelve, he set the Navy all-time receiving yards record surpassing Rob Taylor, after hauling in five passes for 146 yards in an upset win over South Florida. For his performance during the 2025 season, Heidenreich was invited to participate in the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl.

Statistics Year Team GP Rushing Receiving Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds Avg TD 2022 Navy 0 Did not play 2023 Navy 12 27 214 7.9 1 19 382 20.1 4 2024 Navy 13 65 444 6.8 3 39 671 17.2 6 2025 Navy 13 77 499 6.5 3 51 941 18.5 6Career 38 169 1,157 6.8 7 109 1,994 18.3 16

Professional career

In the 2026 NFL draft, Heidenreich was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round with the 230th-overall pick.

Military commitment Heidenreich committed to serving in the United States Marine Corps following his football playing career. While in the NFL, however, he will have limited to no obligations for his military service.