From Shiprock to the Star
Courtesy | Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete raises his helmet toward fans after a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals Saturday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Pete received strong support from Diné fans during Dallas’ 34-13 win.
Navajo Nation’s first NFL player makes his case for a spot on Dallas’ 53-man roster
GLENDALE, Ariz.
Since joining the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent this spring, Shiyazh Pete has been working diligently to make the 53-man roster.
The Navajo Nation’s first NFL player has one preseason game remaining to make his case. Dallas hosts the New Orleans Saints on Friday before NFL teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by Sunday. The Cowboys open the regular season Sept. 13 against the New York Giants.
On Saturday, the Arizona Cardinals hosted the Cowboys for a preseason game at State Farm Stadium. Pete received an outpouring of support from Native fans, including President Buu Nygren.
“I had a feeling,” Pete said when asked if he expected to see a large following. “Phoenix is home to a lot of Native American tribes, and obviously we got to see that. A lot of Navajos and a lot of Native Americans support the Cowboys, and they really like football.”
To read the full article, please see the Aug. 27, 2026, edition of the Navajo Times.
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