Shiyazh Pete’s path to the NFL rooted in family, sacrifice and belief

By Lee Begaye and Truman Begaye
Special to the Times

WINDOW ROCK

For many prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, the spotlight extended far beyond the players. It found their parents. From emotional embraces to quiet living room moments, the draft became a reminder that every name called – or not called – carries a story built on years of sacrifice, support and belief.

For Shiyazh Pete, that story was written long before draft weekend. After five years of college football, Pete finds himself in a familiar place for players chasing the next level: undrafted, but with strong interest from the Dallas Cowboys. As of Wednesday morning, he had not signed a binding contract with any NFL team. If he signs with the Cowboys, he will have to travel to Dallas to ink the deal.

For Pete and his parents, Natani and Geraldine, the moment is not defined by draft position but by the journey that led there.

Long before college stadiums and national attention, Pete’s story began on a middle school sideline. In one of his earliest football experiences, he did not enter the game and spent the time alongside friends. Afterward, he apologized to his parents. For them, it did not matter.

“When he told us he wanted to play football, we told him we would support him in anything he chose,” his parents said.

That message became the foundation of everything that followed. Through high school, recruiting, setbacks and success, the support never wavered. Even when the dream seemed distant, Pete remained certain. When asked where he would be in 10 years, his answer never changed: the NFL.

His mother offered a reminder to stay grounded.

“I told him to always have a plan B,” Geraldine said. “And he told me, ‘Mom, don’t worry. I’ll just come home and help around.’”

Pete spent four seasons at New Mexico State, helping the Aggies reach the New Mexico Bowl and build momentum as a program. After the 2023 season, the Aggies experienced major turnover. Head coach Jerry Kill departed, quarterback Diego Pavia followed and the roster shifted through transfers. Pete had the opportunity to follow familiar faces but chose a different path.

“He decided to explore new challenges,” his family said.

When Pete entered the transfer portal, interest came quickly and from across the country. Programs pursued him heavily, recognizing him as one of the top offensive tackles available. Michigan emerged as an early option, but Kentucky’s persistence ultimately stood out.

“We knew he was good,” his parents said. “But when he entered the portal and started getting calls, that is when we realized how valuable he really was.”

At Kentucky, Pete stepped into the Southeastern Conference, widely regarded as the most competitive in college football. Week after week, he faced elite programs – Texas, South Carolina, Auburn, Georgia. The speed, physicality and atmosphere provided a glimpse of the NFL environment.

“Football is like a religion there,” his parents said. “The fan bases were unbelievable. They would cheer in a coordinated way, and it made it very difficult to communicate.”

Road environments, packed stadiums and hostile crowds became part of the experience. For Pete’s family, one game stood above the rest.

“That Florida game was his best,” Geraldine said. “He really excelled in that one.”

Though Kentucky finished 5-7 and missed a bowl game, Pete’s individual growth was evident. He closed his college career with an appearance in the Hula Bowl, a showcase for NFL prospects.

The Cowboys’ interest carries added meaning across the Navajo Nation, where support for the franchise runs deep. For many, it is more than a potential opportunity. It is a point of connection – one of their own potentially stepping into an organization that has long been part of conversations, living rooms and Sunday routines across the Nation.

The path to the NFL is rarely straightforward. Pete battled injury during his final season at New Mexico State, missing significant time while navigating a program that had changed. Even through those setbacks, the belief never wavered. His family believed. He believed. Coaches and supporters continued to invest in his future.

The 2026 NFL Draft came and went without Pete’s name being called. The opportunity, however, remains. He continues to draw interest as an undrafted free agent, positioning himself for a chance to compete at the professional level. For many players, draft night defines the moment. For Pete, it is simply another step.

As the NFL continues to highlight the role of parents during the draft process, Pete’s journey reflects that message. Every step, from a middle school sideline to SEC stadiums, has been built on unwavering support.

“This is what parents do,” his family said. “You support your kids through everything.”

Now, Pete carries that foundation forward. He is not just chasing a roster spot but setting an example for the next generation. “We’re excited for what this means,” his parents said. “He can help younger athletes and make people proud.”

For Pete, the goal has always been clear. The NFL. And now, he continues to work toward it.

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