He’s been a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers for just a few months, but rookie seventh-round draft pick Eli Heidenreich is already drawing plenty of attention and immersing himself in the locker room.
As a dual-threat offensive weapon who can play running back and even some receiver, Heidenreich sports a new nickname from running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr.
Chinyoung revealed during Organized Team Activities that he calls Heidenreich a Swiss Navy knife, playing on the latter attending the Naval Academy.
That’s not the only nickname he has picked up since joining his hometown team.
“DK Metcalf, a few weeks ago in practice, he asked me, ‘Are you okay if I call you Captain America?’ And I was like, ‘Absolutely DK, you can call me Captain America.’ I’m honored,” Heidenreich said on The Ross Tucker Podcast that published Thursday morning, according to video via the show’s YouTube page.
Of course, the Captain America angle comes from Heidenreich starring at Navy and currently serving as a reservist in the United States Marine Corps. His full focus is on trying to make the Steelers’ 53-man roster this summer in Latrobe, but it is pretty cool that he’s serving his country in the process.
It seems to be catching on with teammates and coaches, too.
Heidenreich isn’t a superhero like Captain America, but it’s cool that a veteran like DK Metcalf knows who he is and gave him a nickname that reflects his respect for Heidenreich. The Pittsburgh native still has a tough road ahead to grab a roster spot, but he’s made an impression on many so far.
Should he make Pittsburgh’s 53-man roster, it will be interesting to see what nicknames the fans come up for him inside Acrisure Stadium. Maybe Captain America sticks, and instead of the red, white and blue shield, someone can create a black and gold one to fit the Steelers.
Check out the full Heidenreich interview on the Ross Tucker Podcast below.