Hometown Hero: Heidenreich's Steelers Dream

0:00On May 1st, Pittsburgh Steelers snagged seventh-round wide-out Eli Hydenreich from Navy, and it turned into a full-home town fairytale right there in. The draft green room. He linked up with corner-back Joey Porter Jr., who he played 7-on-7 ball with back in high school, Porter from North Allegheny, Hydenreich. Out of Mount Levenon, earlier this week on Day 3, Hydenreich strolled across the stage in his Navy service uniform, terrible towel waving, with the Pittsburgh Skyline. Pobbing in the background and a crowd of Steelers fans going wild. This kid grew up idolizing the black and gold, when from zero-star recruit to suiting up for his home team. Everyone felt the vibes. Porter Jr. introduced him to his dad, Joey Porter Sr., who just grand and said the story keeps getting sweeter. Steelers GM Omar Khan got choked up watching that hometown walk-on, calling it pure emotion. Hydenreich himself said, seeing 90 percent Steelers fans hit him like a wave. Dig into his game. Last season at Navy, he led with 51 catches for 941 yards, a program record, plus six scores receiving.

1:08And nearly 500 rushing yards. NFL scouts love his versatility, toughness, size, and special teams upside, even if his route tree needs work. He tops Navy's all-time receiving yards at a 1,994 and 16 touchdowns, and back in high school, he balled out with. 29 scores and over 1,300 yards to snag that state title. Steelers got a gem ready to grind. Pittsburgh's own, writing the next chapter.