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Navy WR Eli Heidenreich Celebrates With Dad in Stands After School-Record Day

Heidenreich became the first player in Navy history with 200 or more receiving yards in a game.
Navy receiver Eli Heidenreich celebrated with his family after one of his three touchdowns Saturday
Navy receiver Eli Heidenreich celebrated with his family after one of his three touchdowns Saturday | Screengrab via CBS Sports

Navy wide receiver Eli Heidenreich had himself a day on Saturday.

Heidenreich went off for 243 receiving yards and three touchdowns on eight receptions, including one 80-yard score and another for 60 yards. He made some program history, becoming the first Navy player to record 200 or more receiving yards in a game, according to ESPN Insights. He also broke Navy's all-time record with the 14th receiving touchdown of his career, grabbing his 15th before the day was over.

Even with all of the records, the coolest moment of Heidenreich's day came after one of his touchdowns where he saw his dad, David, in the front row and leaped right up into his seat to celebrate. Check out the heartwarming moment below:

Heidenreich, a senior for the Midshipmen, had 170 receiving yards on the year heading into Saturday's game against Air Force. He got that and then some in just one day, well on his way to outpace the 671 receiving yards and six touchdowns he had last season.

Navy quarterback Blake Horvath had a great day, too, throwing for 339 yards and three touchdowns—all of which went to Heidenreich. Horvath rushed for 130 yards and another score in Navy's 34-31 win over Air Force.

The Midshipmen advance to 5-0 on the year. They play Temple on the road next week.


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Blake Silverman
BLAKE SILVERMAN

Blake Silverman is a writer at Sports Illustrated, primarily covering the NBA and WNBA. Before joining SI in November 2024 as a breaking/trending news writer, he covered the WNBA, NBA, G League and college basketball for numerous sites, including Winsidr, SB Nation and A10Talk. He’s an alum of both Michigan State and St. Bonaventure University, receiving a master’s degree from the Bonnies’ sports journalism program. Outside of work, he’s a husband, father, yogi and fairly mediocre tennis player who’s open to any tips on how to play defense in EA Sports College Football.