By Ailene Bass
DALLAS, TX. —This past week, Shiyazh Pete was one of the hopeful rookies who played for the Dallas Cowboys in their preseason as an offensive lineman. His agent, Brett Tessler, tweeted on Sunday that Shiyazh Pete had been released from the Cowboys. The disappointment quickly reached across football and Native fans alike who support Pete as a rising star. He is the first Navajo athlete to sign with the NFL, previously signing as an undrafted free agent for a 3-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Some reports are hopeful that he can still play on the Cowboys’ practice squad for the time being, while others are certain that he will continue developing for the upcoming season, having experience as a right tackle and guard.
Shiyazh Pete has recently become a recognizable face in Native sports and social media, as he scored a win for the Dallas Cowboys and went viral for his speech, following a win against the Arizona Cardinals last month. Pete recalled the moment that he felt the Native community’s support as they gave him a standing ovation. “It’s hard to find the words to describe it,” Pete reflected. “English probably isn’t the language I’d use to describe it in, but ‘hózhó [walking in beauty].”
Pete’s recent events have ignited a conversation about solidarity between sports fans and Native community members. At 23 years old, Shiyazh Pete is currently unsigned and undrafted. On a more positive note, his popularity represents more of a bright and hopeful future ahead of him, with a strong Navajo and Salish history behind him. The support of the community is a good sign of more games to come for Pete.
Links:
Cowboys waive lineman Shiyazh Pete after making NFL history as league’s first Navajo Nation member
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/cowboys-to-waive-ol-shiyazh-pete
