Steelers' rookie set for special change in 2026

A special change is coming for one of the Pittsburgh Steelers' rookies who has major ties to the United States military. According to a report from Teresa Varley of Steelers.com, seventh-round rookie running back Eli Heidenreich is one of 12 NFL players selected to wear military helmet decals as par

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A special change is coming for one of the Pittsburgh Steelers' rookies who has major ties to the United States military.

According to a report from Teresa Varley of Steelers.com, seventh-round rookie running back Eli Heidenreich is one of 12 NFL players selected to wear military helmet decals as part of the league's Salute to Service initiative. Heidenreich is set to wear a United States Marine Corps decal and he will do so for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Heidenreich, who played collegiate football at Navy from 2022 to 2025, is a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. His active-duty service has been deferred while he continues to pursue his NFL career with Pittsburgh. Additionally, both his grandfather and uncle served in the United

States military.

We at Steelers Wire salute Heidenreich for his commitment to our country and his family's dedication to the United States military.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any roster news and injury updates, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' rookie set for special change in 2026