Dallas native and Cowboys rookie offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete drew a massive crowd of Navajo Nation supporters on Saturday night as he stepped onto the field for his preseason debut against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Historic debut draws standing ovation
Pete entered the game in the fourth quarter and played six snaps on a drive that ended in a touchdown. As he took the field, a wave of Navajo Nation flags filled the lower bowl and fans erupted in a standing ovation. “The standing ovation was incredible,” Pete said after the game, according to the Cowboys organization. “I lost count of how many Navajo Nation flags I saw.”
First Navajo player in the NFL
At 23 years old, 6‑foot‑9 and 309 pounds, Pete signed with Dallas as an undrafted free agent, becoming the first member of the Navajo Nation to sign with an NFL team. He began his college career as a walk‑on at New Mexico State before transferring to Kentucky, and he continues to fight for a roster spot on the Cowboys.
Community support stretches across the Southwest
More than 140,000 members of the Navajo Nation reside in Arizona, and the Cowboys’ preseason visit to the Phoenix area gave many the chance to see Pete play in person. Pete expected some Native American fans, but he was overwhelmed by the size of the crowd. “Phoenix is home to a lot of Native American tribes, obviously we got to see that,” he told NBC Sports. “A lot of Native Americans support the Cowboys, and they really like football.” He also noted a Salish Nation flag among the spectators.
Personal reflections
Pete described the experience as surreal, saying English could not fully capture the emotions he felt. He spoke briefly in his native language before explaining that the message would resonate with people back home. “Folks back home, folks upstairs at our stadium, will know,” he said.
Coach and owner recognize the moment
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer invited Pete to address the team in the locker room after the game. Pete told his teammates that the shared experience made them “brothers.” Schottenheimer said he had never seen an NFL player receive that level of support, calling it “really cool” and “awesome.” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones also met with Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren on the field before kickoff, underscoring the significance of the moment.
Impact beyond the field
Although Pete played only six snaps, his presence created a memorable night for the thousands who traveled to Glendale. The Cowboys won the preseason matchup 34‑14, but the real highlight for many was seeing a member of the Navajo Nation on the field, a milestone that could inspire future athletes from the tribe.
For Pete, the reception serves as a reminder that his journey already holds meaning beyond football. “It’s just to show that I’m very thankful for this team,” he said. “It is through the Cowboys, this organization, Jerry Jones that I’m able to participate and be amongst such incredible play.”
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
