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Steelers rookie earns massive praise from Art Rooney II
TL;DR
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Eli Heidenreich has received high praise from owner Art Rooney II, who called him the greatest seventh-round pick in team history. Rooney highlighted Heidenreich as a standout from the 2026 NFL Draft.
Key points
- Eli Heidenreich is a rookie running back for the Steelers.
- Art Rooney II praised Heidenreich as the best seventh-round pick.
- Rooney highlighted Heidenreich during a discussion about the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mentioned in this story
Art Rooney II
Pittsburgh SteelersEli Heidenreich2026 NFL Draft
It's never a bad sign when an NFL owner considers a draft prospect to be the greatest seventh-round selection the team has ever made â and that's exactly the scenario Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Eli Heidenreich finds himself in.
Art Rooney II, when discussing a variety of Steelers-related topics on NFL Network's The Insiders, praised Heidenreich as one of the top highlights from the 2026 NFL Draft.
"But the other highlight was when we drafted Eli [Heidenreich]," Rooney said. "The reception he got there, in the seventh round, was probably the greatest seventh-round pick we've ever made."
When looking at some of the Steelers' all-time seventh-round draft picks, like Pro Bowl linebacker David Little in 1981 and two-time Super Bowl champion defensive lineman Brett Keisel in 2002, Rooney's high praise of Heidenreich is astonishing, to say the least.
With many comparing Heidenreich to Christian McCaffrey and Rooney considering him "probably" the greatest seventh-round pick in team history, it's safe to say the Steelers rookie has massive expectations to meet moving forward.
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Q&A
Who is Eli Heidenreich and why is he praised by Art Rooney II?
Eli Heidenreich is a rookie running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, praised by owner Art Rooney II as the greatest seventh-round selection in the team's history.
What did Art Rooney II say about the Steelers' 2026 NFL Draft?
Art Rooney II highlighted Eli Heidenreich as one of the top highlights from the 2026 NFL Draft, emphasizing the excitement around his selection.
What makes Eli Heidenreich's selection significant in Steelers history?
Heidenreich's selection is significant because Art Rooney II compared him to notable seventh-round picks like David Little and Brett Keisel, indicating high expectations for his impact on the team.
