What happened: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Eli Heidenreich reflected on his military background as part of the NFL's Salute to Service initiative. Heidenreich stated that entering the league carried the responsibility of representing the Naval Academy and the broader military community.

Why it matters: Pittsburgh selected Heidenreich in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft after his collegiate career at Navy. The rookie's platform comes amid a 6-2 start for the Steelers, who hold the fourth seed in the AFC through eight games.

What to watch: Pittsburgh looks to extend its four-game winning streak as it continues the 2026 regular season.