​Pittsburgh Steelers running back Eli Heidenreich (29) warms up on the field prior to an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Steven SenneThis article originally appeared on SteelersNOW.com.Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Eli Heidenreich shared his Salute to Service story. Heidenreich, who attended the United States Naval Academy, is a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps reserves and has deferred his active duty.He is one of 12 current NFL players who will wear a military helmet decal as part of the NFL’s Salute to Service program. “Being able to walk out to a bunch of Steelers fans right after being drafted was an absolutely incredible feeling. I’m Eli Heidenreich, running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, and this is my Salute to Service story,” Heidenreigh said in a video released by the NFL on Wednesday. “My grandfather served in the Navy and so did my uncle. Looking at their life of service and the way they lived their lives really inspired me to want to continue that legacy on in my family.“In the military, you’re trained and you go to school to learn how to lead. It’s the same thing on the football field. Being drafted, I felt like I was out there representing everyone at the Naval Academy and the larger Navy Marine Corps family in that moment.“The Salute to Service campaign allows me to shine light on the issues that veterans and those that are still serving face on a day-to-day basis. The more attention that I can bring to those serving. Those that have served, the better. My message to the military community is thank you. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do. I want to hear your stories.” “Being drafted, I felt like I was out there representing everyone at the Naval Academy, and then the larger Navy and Marine Corps family in that moment.” ❤️
Steelers RB @EHeidenreich44 shares his #SalutetoService story. https://t.co/bQl1bmUyrp— NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2026Click here to read more from SteelersNOW.com.Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW