Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Navajo football player Shiyazh Pete returns home after brief Cowboys stint
Shiyazh Pete, a Navajo offensive lineman, made his NFL debut with the Dallas Cowboys in a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals in August.
He played six snaps and received a standing ovation from fans who had traveled from across the Navajo Nation.
Pete was later waived by the Cowboys and is now a free agent seeking another chance in the NFL.
He has returned home, visited his former high school and is scheduled to meet fans at an Indigenous Peoples Day event in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
His story is part of a wider history of Native athletes who have broken barriers and inspired pride in their communities.
That history includes Olympic champion Billy Mills, marathon runner Patti Catalano Dillon and surfing pioneer Duke Kahanamoku.
Their achievements have helped shape sports and provided role models for Native children.
Shiyazh Pete has returned to the Navajo Nation after the Dallas Cowboys waived him.
The rookie offensive lineman is a free agent and is seeking another NFL opportunity.
Pete made his NFL debut in a Cowboys preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals in August.
He played six snaps and received a standing ovation from fans who had traveled from across the Navajo Nation.
Pete has visited his former high school and served as grand marshal of the Northern Navajo Nation Fair Parade.
- Who
- Shiyazh Pete, a Navajo football player and rookie offensive lineman.
- What
- After being waived by the Dallas Cowboys, he returned home to the Navajo Nation and is looking for another NFL opportunity.
- When
- He played in a preseason game in August. The article was published October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Pete returned to the Navajo Nation; his debut was against the Arizona Cardinals.
- Why
- The Cowboys waived him, and he is seeking his next NFL opportunity.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
yéego
Pete took the field for a Cowboys preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals and played six snaps.
After the Cowboys waived him, Pete returned home to the Navajo Nation.
Pete appeared at Shiprock High School’s homecoming pep rally and served as grand marshal of the Northern Navajo Nation Fair Parade.
Pete was due to meet and greet fans at an Indigenous Peoples Day event in Albuquerque.
- Team
- Dallas Cowboys
- Preseason opponent
- Arizona Cardinals
- Snaps played
- Six
- Former school
- Shiprock High School
- Community
- Navajo Nation







