Full Breakdown
Shiyazh Pete’s Historic NFL Debut Sparks Massive Navajo Nation Support
8/23/2026, 8:02:56 PM
The Game and the Standing Ovation
In a preseason matchup that ended 34-13, the Dallas Cowboys brought rookie offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete onto the field for six offensive snaps. As he entered the lower bowl of State Farm Stadium, a section of thousands rose in a standing ovation, waving Navajo Nation flags and chanting his name. The celebration continued after the final whistle, with fans flooding the concourse and shouting his name for several minutes while Pete handed out high-fives. Paid attendance for the game was 62,674.
Background and Path to the NFL
Pete was born on May 25, 2003, in Ronan, Montana, and moved to Shiprock, New Mexico, during his freshman year of high school. He played college football at New Mexico State and later transferred to Kentucky, earning first-team All-Conference USA honors in 2023. An injury sidelined him for the first six games of the 2024 season, but he returned to start the final six at left tackle. After going undrafted, Pete signed a three-year, $3.1 million contract with Dallas and now serves as the third-string right guard behind Tyler Booker and Trevor Keegan.
Data and Statistics
- Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 309 lb.
- Position: third-string right guard on the depth chart.
- Snap count: 10 % of the Cowboys’ offensive snaps in the Arizona game, all in the fourth quarter.
- Attendance: 62,674 spectators.
- Contract: three-year, $3.1 million deal.
According to The Dallas Morning News, Pete is believed to be the first player from the Navajo Nation to sign an NFL contract.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he was initially unaware of the scale of the Navajo support but expressed pride in Pete’s impact on the team and community. He also praised Pete’s work ethic, calling him one of the hardest workers he has encountered. He highlighted the emotional significance of seeing both Navajo and Salish flags in the stands.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just 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,” — Shiyazh Pete
- “It was surreal. It’s hard to find the words to describe it,” — Shiyazh Pete
- “He may be one of the hardest workers I’ve been around,” — Brian Schottenheimer, head coach
- “I’m very thankful for this team,” — Shiyazh Pete
- “I actually didn’t really know what was going on. But when I heard about it, I’m really proud for him and for what he’s done for us,” — Brian Schottenheimer, head coach
Why It Matters
Pete’s appearance marks a milestone for the Navajo Nation, providing visible representation on a major professional sports platform. Fans described the moment as a unifying experience that bridged tribal identity with mainstream American football culture.
What’s Next
The Cowboys will host the New Orleans Saints in their preseason finale at AT&T Stadium, offering Pete another chance to showcase his abilities before the roster is trimmed to 53 players.
