Dallas Cowboys rookie offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete received a standing ovation from thousands of Navajo Nation supporters during Saturday night’s preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
Pete, an undrafted free agent, is widely recognized as the first player from the Navajo Nation to sign with an NFL team. He entered the game in the fourth quarter and played six snaps on a drive that ended with a touchdown. Fans in the lower bowl, many waving Navajo Nation flags, erupted when he took the field and again when he returned to the sideline.
“The standing ovation was incredible,” Pete said after the game. “I want to thank all the fans that showed up to support me and 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.”
I don’t know what the future holds for Shiyazh Pete as a member of the #Cowboys, but this may be the best preseason post-game speech of all time.
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) August 23, 2026
(🎥: @dallascowboys) https://t.co/Ko9yabqvBA pic.twitter.com/ZNXD4DTpnv
Pete, 23, is 6-foot-9 and 309 pounds. He began his college career as a walk-on at New Mexico State before transferring to Kentucky. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones met with Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren on the field before the game.
After the final whistle, head coach Brian Schottenheimer asked Pete to address the team in the locker room. Pete delivered a short speech that drew a strong response from teammates, telling them the game and the star on their helmets would make them brothers.
The Cowboys won 34-13. Pete called the entire experience surreal and said he saw hope and courage in the crowd. The moment marked a historic night for the Navajo Nation and for the undrafted rookie still fighting for a roster spot.
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