Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Steelers Invite Navy RB Alex Tecza to Rookie Camp

4/28/2026

47 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Tecza Joins Minicamp

Steelers invited Navy fullback Alex Tecza to rookie minicamp May 8-10 at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
He will attend with seventh-round pick Eli Heidenreich, his former Navy teammate.
Tecza logged 2,236 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns at Navy, including 907 yards and 10 TDs in 2025.
He ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash, 34-inch vertical and 18 bench reps, and will compete with fifth-round fullback Riley Nowakowski for a roster spot.

Summary

Heidenreich Drafted

The Steelers drafted Pittsburgh native Eli Heidenreich 230th overall in 2026.
Analysts compare his versatility to slot receiver Kenneth Gainwell and expect a similar third-down role.
Pete Prisco says his quickest route to the 53-man roster is special-teams play.
He posted a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at Navy’s pro day.
Analysts graded him from a 5.86 average-backup rating by Lance Zierlein to a fifth-round rating by Dane Brugger.

History

Historical Context

Jim Fassel’s 1997 hiring sparked a Giants revival, culminating in a 10-5-1 record and the franchise’s first NFC East title since 1990. That season’s willingness to explore unconventional roster options foreshadowed today’s NFL openness to service-academy talent, illustrated by the Pittsburgh Steelers inviting Navy fullback Alex Tecza and rookie Eli Heidenreich to rookie minicamp.

1 of 3

Tecza Joins Minicamp

Steelers invited Navy fullback Alex Tecza to rookie minicamp May 8-10 at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
He will attend with seventh-round pick Eli Heidenreich, his former Navy teammate.
Tecza logged 2,236 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns at Navy, including 907 yards and 10 TDs in 2025.
He ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash, 34-inch vertical and 18 bench reps, and will compete with fifth-round fullback Riley Nowakowski for a roster spot.

1 / 3