Steelers pick Navy RB Eli Heidenreich, fans at Pittsburgh NFL Draft go totally bonkers

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Perhaps the most compelling moment of the 2026 NFL Draft came in the final round, when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected running back Eli Heidenreich and the pick was announced to the hometown crowd gathered at the event.

The excitement, palpable from the moment Heidenreich was shown on camera, wasn’t because he’s an accomplished college running back. Nor was it because his athletic ability has scouts comparing him to San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey — only bigger and stronger.

The crowd went nuts because Heidenreich played for the United States Naval Academy.

And having waited for three days in the NFL's green room backstage, Heidenreich emerged in his Full Dress Blue uniform worn by midshipmen at formal functions.

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Heidenreich put on a Steelers cap and saluted. Soon after, he hugged NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and took official photos with a Steelers helmet.

Omar Khan, director of football and business operations for the Pittsburgh Steelers, looks on from the sideline before a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Aug. 24, 2013. The Chiefs defeated the Steelers 26-20. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

The crowd went bonkers.

"That excitement with Eli," Steelers general manager Omar Khan said, "I mean, I wasn't expecting to see that on TV and you can't help but get emotional when you saw that at the end. But truly, truly, truly awesome ..."

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