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SportsMarine 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. Heidenreich, a newly commissioned Marine Corps officer and Naval Academy graduate, demonstrated versatility as a running back/wide receiver during the preseason. In the preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills, he rushed nine times for 35 yards and a touchdown, and returned two kickoffs for 47 yards. Heidenreich and fellow Marine 2nd Lt. Alex Tecza made history by appearing together in an NFL preseason game, marking the first time two Marine Corps officers have done so. Tecza was later cut in the first wave of roster cuts. Heidenreich's ability to contribute as a runner, pass-catcher, and special teamer was cited as key to his roster spot. 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 and 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, and 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 the Author
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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Marine officer Eli Heidenreich makes Pittsburgh Steelers' 53-man roster after strong preseason