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SportsMarine Corps officer Eli Heidenreich makes Pittsburgh Steelers' 53-man roster
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Eli Heidenreich, a seventh-round NFL draft pick and Pittsburgh native, secured a spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers' initial 53-man roster on August 31, 2026, following a strong preseason performance. Heidenreich, a newly commissioned Marine Corps officer and Naval Academy graduate, scored a touchdown in the preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills and saluted the crowd. He and fellow Marine 2nd Lt. Alex Tecza made history as the first pair of Marine Corps officers to appear together in an NFL game for the same team. While Heidenreich made the roster, Tecza was among the first wave of cuts. Heidenreich's versatility as a running back, wide receiver, and special teams contributor was cited as a key factor. The FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act allows up to five service academy graduates per year to serve in the Selected Reserve while pursuing professional sports careers.
Source report
Eli Heidenreich’s first NFL preseason ended with a touchdown, a salute to the crowd, and a place on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ squad.
The seventh-round pick and Pittsburgh native was included in the Steelers’ initial 53-man roster Sunday, after he and fellow Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Alex Tecza made Naval Academy football history by appearing together for Pittsburgh in a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
Historic Achievement
Heidenreich and Tecza are:
- The fourth pair of Naval Academy graduates to appear for the same team in the same NFL game
- The second pair of former Navy football teammates to do so
- The first pair of Marine Corps officers to accomplish the feat, according to the Naval Academy
Three days later, Heidenreich had made the 53-man roster. Tecza was among the Steelers’ first wave of roster cuts Friday.
Versatility Key to Roster Spot
Heidenreich’s versatility was a factor in his bid for the lineup. Pittsburgh lists him as a running back/wide receiver. At Navy, he recorded:
- 109 receptions for 1,994 yards and 16 touchdowns
- 1,157 rushing yards and seven touchdowns
In the Steelers’ preseason finale, he carried nine times for 35 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown, and returned two kickoffs for 47 yards. Pittsburgh’s roster analysis said his ability to contribute as a runner, pass-catcher, and “core four” special teamer helped provide the versatility coach Mike McCarthy values.
Salute to the Crowd
After the touchdown, Heidenreich saluted, echoing the gesture he made after Pittsburgh selected him with the 230th pick in April. Buffalo took the preseason win, 28-27, but Heidenreich left Buffalo with something bigger: a spot on the team.
Military Service
He graduated from the Naval Academy this year and was commissioned as a Marine Corps officer. The Naval Academy said the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act authorizes the military secretaries to transfer no more than five cadets or midshipmen from each service academy who obtain professional sports employment to the Selected Reserve as commissioned officers while pursuing their professional careers.
About Natalie Oliverio
Natalie Oliverio is an independent journalist and Navy veteran who covers military and veterans’ issues. Drawing on her experience as a talent executive and mentor, she writes about the policies, people, and programs shaping the military community.
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Military TimesWestern
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Marine officer Eli Heidenreich makes Pittsburgh Steelers' 53-man roster after strong preseason