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Updated · Fox News · Apr 26Pittsburgh Steelers select Navy running back Eli Heidenreich in final round of 2026 NFL Draft
11 articles · Updated · Fox News · Apr 26
- Heidenreich, a Pittsburgh native and Naval Academy graduate, was picked 230th overall and celebrated in full dress uniform at Acrisure Stadium.
- Fans and NFL officials gave Heidenreich a hero’s welcome, highlighting his military background amid ongoing U.S. operations in the Middle East.
- Heidenreich will defer a 10-year Marine Corps service commitment to pursue his NFL career, continuing a family tradition of military service.
How will a 10-year military commitment impact this rookie's NFL contract and career? Will this historic draft success attract a new wave of top athletes to Navy? What makes scouts compare this record-setting Navy receiver to superstar Christian McCaffrey? What hurdles must service academy athletes clear to pursue a professional sports career? How does the policy letting athletes defer service balance military needs and personal ambition?