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Shiyazh Pete Receives Historic Navajo Nation Support at Cowboys Preseason Game
8/25/2026, 12:27:24 AM
Historic Fan Turnout Highlights Navajo Representation
Undrafted rookie offensive tackle Shiyazh Pete became the focal point of a Cowboys preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals when a large contingent of Navajo Nation supporters filled a stadium section to cheer exclusively for him. The crowd’s standing ovation and the sea of Navajo Nation flags marked an unprecedented display of tribal support for a single player in NFL history.
Background: First Navajo Nation Player in the NFL
When Pete signed with the Dallas Cowboys after the draft, he became the first member of the Navajo Nation to secure an NFL contract. Approximately 140,000 Navajo Nation members reside in Arizona, a state that also hosts numerous other Native American tribes. The preseason game in Phoenix therefore provided a natural gathering point for those communities to celebrate Pete’s milestone.
Official Statements & Responses
Pete expressed gratitude for the overwhelming fan presence, noting that the number of flags he saw was beyond count and that the experience felt “surreal.” He also highlighted the broader support Native American fans show for the Cowboys and football in general. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer described the scene as something he had never witnessed in his 25-year NFL career, emphasizing the inspirational impact of an entire section cheering for one player.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just want to take a moment to thank all the fans and the people who showed up to support me, and to celebrate my name and wear my jersey. I lost count of how many Navajo Nation flags I saw.” — Shiyazh Pete
- “Phoenix is home to a lot of Native American tribes, obviously we got to see that. It was incredible,” — Shiyazh Pete
- “I saw something tonight I’ve never seen before, in 25 years in the NFL: An entire section cheering for one man,” — Brian Schottenheimer, cowboys head coach
- “It was surreal. It’s hard to find the words to describe it. English probably isn’t the language I’d describe it in,” — Shiyazh Pete
These remarks capture the personal significance of the moment for Pete, the cultural pride of Navajo fans, and the rarity of such a collective display from a professional football perspective.
