Mt. Lebanon graduate drafted by Steelers
\'It was pretty incredible,\' said Eli Heidenreich
The NFL could not have scripted a better amateur draft in Pittsburgh.
During a record-breaking, three-day event, the “local boy does good story” unfolded as Eli Heidenreich of Mt. Lebanon was selected by his hometown Steelers in the seventh and final round.
Wiping away tears, he walked from the Green Room and onto the stage to be greeted by more than 200,000 fans. He stopped briefly to tap the Steelers emblem on the wall and to don a baseball cap with his new team’s logo.
During a post-draft press conference posted on X by the Steelers, Heidenreich said that he was “overwhelmed with emotions” but thankful for the opportunity.
“It was pretty incredible,” he said. “I turned that corner and you see the city skyline and the background and then the crowd, which is 90% black and gold. It’s all Steelers fans out there. It was such a cool moment.”
Heidenreich added that many memories flashed through his mind and he is thrilled to have the chance to play for his hometown team.
“Thinking back to all the games that I have been to growing up all throughout my life, being at Heinz Field, and watching those games go down and now I have an opportunity to go out and play for the Black and Gold. It’s just a fantastic feeling. Nothing like I’ve ever felt before.”
Heidenreich was the 230th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Another local product who was draft eligible, Vanderbilt University’s Chase Mitchell, a Washington High School graduate, was not selected. He is expected to sign as an undrafted free agent this week.
Along with Landon Robinson, who went to the Cincinnati Bengals four picks earlier, Heidenreich became the first Navy duo to be selected in the same NFL draft since 1956 (George Welsh and Ronald Beagle by the Chicago Cardinals) and just the second duo in program history. They are the 20th and 21st Naval Academy graduates to be drafted by the NFL.
Heidenreich finished his career with 3,206 all-purpose yards (1,157 rushing, 1,994 receiving and 55 on punt returns). His 1,994 career receiving yards and 941 receiving yards this year are both school records.
Heidenreich matriculated to the Naval Academy after leading Mt. Lebanon to a WPIAL championship and PIAA state title in 2021.
During that undefeated 15-0 season, Heidenreich caught 54 passes for 1,330 yards and 20 touchdowns while claiming All-State accolades and Almanac Player of the Year laurels. He also threw for one score out of the Blue Devils’ Wildcat offense. He rushed for an additional 647 yards and seven more touchdowns.
On defense, he spearheaded a unit that limited the opposition to 11.5 points per game, by recording a team-high 60 tackles with four interceptions, including one for a touchdown. He added a fumble recovery.
On special teams, he returned 14 punts for 223 yards and another score. He had five kickoff returns for 66 yards.
“Eli’s athletic ability in high school was phenomenal,” said Marty Spieler, who coached Heidenreich at Mt. Lebanon before moving on to South Fayette. “His work ethic and extremely high character are what make me proudest that he gets a chance in the NFL. A true role model for WPIAL high school athletes,” added Spieler.
Connor Hiser from South Fayette was inspired by the selection as well as the draft. He was a guest of the Jerome Bettis Leadership Awards Foundation at the NFL Draft and assisted on the kickoff of the draft, which attracted a record 805,000 fans held April 23-25.
“There were truly some amazing moments in the draft,” Hiser said, “but it’s cool about Eli. He had a great career at Navy and has a chance to become a professional. It’s great to see the WPIAL be represented.”