Local Hero Eli Heidenreich Joins Steelers

0:00On April 26, Pittsburgh Steelers fans got a huge thrill at the end of the 2026 NFL draft when the team snag Eli Hayden-Rike with. Their final pick, number 230 overall. This Navy running back and receiver for Mountain. Lebanon high school nearly slipped away as an undrafted free agent to another squad. Hayden-Rike had already verbally committed to that other team right after the draft ended, but the Steelers swooped in at the last second. He told ESPN the emotions hit him hard when Pittsburgh called, turning what could have been a miss into a perfect story for the black and gold. Growing up in the area, he led my aunt. Lebanon to a state title in 2021 as a senior, wrecking up 29 touchdowns and over 7300 receiving yards. Then at Navy, he climbed the all-time lists with nearly 2,000 receiving yards and 16 scores. Last season, he earned second team all-American athletic conference honors, leading Navy with 51 catches, 499 rushing, yards, and a program record 941 receiving yards.

1:05He tied the single-season touchdown mark with six grabs. Steelers' nation is buzzing over this local kid who grew up in Hines Field, now Acresure Stadium, dreaming of suiting up for his team. Hayden-Rike could not be happier to rep the Steel City on the field.