Landon Robinson and Eli Heidenreich made history by becoming the first Navy duo to be drafted in the same NFL draft since 1956. Robinson was picked by the Cincinnati Bengals, while Heidenreich was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking a significant achievement for the Naval Academy football program. This duo represents the 20th and 21st Naval Academy graduates to be drafted, showcasing their commitment to excellence on and off the field. Their selections highlight Navy's growing reputation for producing talented athletes who can compete at a high level.

By the Numbers
  • Robinson recorded 64 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks during his senior season.
  • Heidenreich is only the second FBS player since 1956 to record at least 475 rushing yards and 925 receiving yards in a single season.
State of Play
  • Both players will graduate from the Naval Academy before beginning their NFL careers.
  • Navy football recently recorded its best two-year win total in history, finishing 11-2 in the 2025 season.
What's Next

With the recent amendments to military service obligations, Robinson and Heidenreich will be allowed to play professional football immediately. Their success may encourage more young athletes to consider the Naval Academy as an option for both academics and athletics. Future drafts may see an increase in Navy players as the program continues to thrive.

Bottom Line

The selections of Robinson and Heidenreich in the NFL draft underscore Navy’s emergence as a formidable player in college football and highlight the potential for future athletes from the Academy to reach professional levels. Their achievements are not only milestones for themselves but also for the Navy football program as a whole, reflecting its commitment to excellence.