Inseparable since high school, Eli Heidenreich and Alex Tecza get one more reunion with the Steelers

PITTSBURGH - Every player sort of feels like a kid again at rookie minicamp. It's a function of your orientation at the NFL level.

But for Eli Heidenreich and Alex Tecza, they were going through drills together like it was the first time again. New team, new coaches, new colors, but the same two teammates from Mt. Lebanon, Pa., who starred at Navy and grew up loving the Steelers.

Back in the day, you may have found Heidenreich running around in his James Harrison No. 92 jersey while Tecza was sporting No. 43 Troy Polamalu. But Saturday they were No. 29 and No. 40, white practice pinnies, the only two running backs on the roster for this past weekend - Heidenreich a seventh-round draft pick and Tecza a tryout player.

"I'm getting sick of him," Tecza said with a laugh as he ran off the field at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "No, I'm joking. It's pretty cool. We grew up playing here for camps and stuff, so it's definitely a full-circle moment for me and for him. I feel like it's just right, sticking together all these years since first grade, I think."

They knew in the waning seconds of the Liberty Bowl in January that it would likely be their last game together. They figured that Navy's pro day in early March probably would be the final time they were on the same football field.

But when the Steelers took Heidenreich with their 10th pick to close out their 2026 draft, then invited Tecza to try out with 12 others, they got one more chance to reunite. Tecza, a 6-foot, 199-pounder who's more of a fullback type, and Heidenreich, who marries wide receiver traits with traditional tailback ability, were paired together with running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr.

"We've been doing workouts together and practicing together since, quite literally, second grade," Heidenreich said afterward. "To keep doing it, it just feels like normal."

Both are trying to impress the Steelers with their versatility. Heidenreich is in the spotlight after all the fanfare associated with his walk across the stage at the NFL draft, and whether he can ultimately make the 53-man roster is the subject of much fascination.

He had nearly twice as many receiving yards (951) as rushing yards (499) last season at Navy. His six receiving touchdowns doubled his three rushing scores. And yet, he was invited to the NFL combine as a running back, drafted as a running back and begins his journey with the Steelers as a running back.

"Obviously, he has an excellent skill set," coach Mike McCarthy said. "You can see the quickness that just jumps off the field at you. He seemed very comfortable out there."

Heidenreich isn't entirely sure what the Steelers' vision is for him just yet, but it's early. As he put it, you don't want to "drown yourself" too soon learning multiple positions.

For now, he's in the backfield. Down the road, perhaps he'll be in the slot.

"I think when you look at the running backs around the league right now, especially the best ones, they do both at a high level," Heidenreich said. "At Navy, I was doing the same things. I got a fair amount of handoffs - I guess you could say pitches - but I was getting the ball a lot that way. And then, obviously, you see the route-running and catching, too. I think that combination just pairs well with today's NFL running back."

Heidenreich is a Navy football legend, but his ceiling is as a Swiss Army knife for the Steelers. Rushing, receiving, blocking, returning, special teams coverage - you name it and he'll have to do it.

He'll have plenty of time to prove his worth. Tecza had a limited window to impress, but his lifelong friend gave him a vote of confidence.

"I'm really hoping. He's done fantastic already, and I think he's turned some heads," Heidenreich said. "Hopefully, he gets his chance. He's so incredibly deserving."

Tecza rushed for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns at Navy last season. He also caught 13 passes for 125 yards and one more score.

But he wasn't drafted, wasn't signed as a priority free agent, and understands the uphill climb to get a contract offer. Tecza insisted he always knew Heidenreich would be in the NFL, and that he'd be forced to play the waiting game. For that call to come from the Steelers, though, has been surreal.

"I'm definitely satisfied with that. The fact that I got an opportunity to prove myself is all I wanted," Tecza said. "I feel like I definitely put my best foot forward, but it's not up to me from this point. I can only pray and wait. But this is my hometown team and a dream come true."

If it doesn't work out for Tecza and he goes pro in something other than sports, he doesn't know where he'll be. Well, that's not entirely true. He has a good feeling that he'll be watching his fellow Pennsylvania state champion and football brother represent for both of them.

You might even see him at Acrisure Stadium in a No. 29 jersey. He just has one request if it all comes to pass for Heidenreich.

"It's just special the way it worked out," Tecza said. "I'm super proud of him and know he's gonna do big things. Hopefully, he gives me some tickets. That was our deal, so we'll see."

____

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 3:44 AM.