Heller was not selected in the 1986 NFL draft and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys.
The San Francisco 49ers claimed him based on a recommendation from Paul Hackett, but a preseason neck injury placed him on the injured reserve list during the 1986 season.
He started 13 games and his 33 receptions for 324 yards, ranked him sixth in the National Football Conference.
[11] Heller left football in 1993 and spent two years at Smith Barney as a financial consultant.
In 1995, he co-founded Peritus Asset Management where he was CEO and Senior Portfolio Advisor.