Historic Moment for Navajo Nation
When Shiyazh Pete took the field Saturday night in Glendale, Arizona, he made history. The undrafted rookie offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys is the first member of the Navajo Nation to sign with an NFL team, and thousands of Navajo Nation members, including the tribe's president, traveled to the game to support him.
Pete, who signed with the Cowboys after the 2026 NFL Draft, played six snaps in the fourth quarter of the Cowboys' 34-13 preseason victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He did not allow a pressure during his time on the field.
The crowd's reaction was overwhelming. Pete received a standing ovation from the Navajo fans who filled several sections of the lower bowl behind the Cowboys' bench.
"The standing ovation was incredible," Pete said. "I want to take the moment to thank all the fans, and the people who showed up to support me, and to celebrate my name and to wear my jersey. I lost count of how many Navajo Nation flags I saw. I saw a Salish Nation flag as well, which was awesome."
Coach's Perspective
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he had never seen anything like the fan reaction in his 25 years in the NFL.
"I saw something tonight I've never seen before, in 25 years in the NFL: An entire section cheering for one man," Schottenheimer said.
Schottenheimer was so moved by the moment that he asked Pete to break down the team in the locker room after the game, a role typically reserved for veterans or standout performers.
"One, I think it's really, it's amazing that our social media team, the media in general, captured it because it was what this team and really the game of football is all about," Schottenheimer said. "It's a story line where you have a guy who's fighting his butt off trying to make the team. But when you give him an opportunity, deservedly so, to address the group, it was very raw. It was very authentic. And I'm thrilled for him."
Schottenheimer also shared an anecdote about Pete's character: "I literally was driving to the airport, I'd say probably a week after rookie minicamp and my usual driver that takes me, had driven Pete," he said. "And he said, 'Man, I drove one of your players and he was the most incredible human being I've ever been [around].'"
Pete's Postgame Speech
In his postgame speech, Pete addressed his teammates with emotion, saying: "Well, that was an incredible win. I am very fortunate to be amongst you and to play on the same field, wear the same star holding on our chest. I'm proud of us and proud of how far we've come. This game, fate, brought us here as strangers but this game, this star, this game, will make us brothers."
The speech drew a raucous reaction from his teammates, who gave him a loud ovation.
"I'll say this, maybe one of the hardest workers I've been around," Schottenheimer added. "Maximized all his opportunities. Everyone loves him because he's like the way he is today. And like I said, when he broke it down, I mean the room went crazy just because he spoke from the heart and he talked about how this family has brought us all together and now we're bonded for life."
Pete described the feeling as "surreal" and struggled to find the right English words. He used the Navajo word "hózhó," which loosely means peace, harmony, and balance, to capture the emotion of the moment.
"It's definitely etched in the history books, I'll tell you that. It was incredible," Pete said. "I'm trying to find the words of how special and impactful that was."
A Journey of Perseverance
Pete's path to the NFL was not a straightforward one. He was a walk-on at New Mexico State before transferring to Kentucky. In high school, he was an all-district player, but his senior season was lost to COVID-19.
Despite the odds, Pete has earned a spot on the Cowboys' roster as a third-team right guard on the depth chart. His chances of making the 53-man roster are slim, but a practice squad spot is possible.
"To put on the star is surreal. But I have to earn that star. I wouldn't say I'm an official Cowboy yet," Pete said.
What's Next
Pete will continue to fight for a roster spot as the Cowboys continue their preseason schedule. Fans in North Texas will get their own chance to see Pete on Tuesday as open practices return to The Star in Frisco. There will be two free open practice events this week beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Ford Center. On Tuesday there will also be an opening ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
Dallas' next game is on Friday against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium.