Shiyazh Pete honored by fans after key block for Cowboys in Arizona
NBCSports.com • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 7:43 PM
Last updated Aug 23, 2026
Dallas Cowboys rookie Shiyazh Pete received a standing ovation from fans during a game against the Arizona Cardinals on August 23. As the first Navajo to sign with an NFL team, he played a pivotal role by blocking for a late touchdown from Phil Mafa. The crowd, including supporters of both teams, recognized Pete's contribution late in the fourth quarter. Emotional after the game, Pete reflected on the moment and the support from the Navajo community, saying, 'I saw hope, courage.' Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer also praised Pete and invited him to speak to the team post-game.
- •Shiyazh Pete is the first Navajo to join the NFL.
- •Fans of both teams applauded Pete for his late-game performance.
- •He contributed to a key touchdown block in the fourth quarter.
- •Pete expressed his emotions about the support from the crowd.
- •Head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised Pete’s impact on the team.
- 1:59 PMNBCSports.com — Cowboys rookie Shiyazh Pete touched by outpouring of support from Navajo fans - NBC Sports
- 7:51 PMYahoo Sports — Cowboys rookie Shiyazh Pete earns rave reviews after locker room speech
- 7:43 PMYahoo Sports — Cowboys rookie Shiyazh Pete gets standing ovation from Navajo after blocking for late TD vs. Cardinals
"It's not often that an undrafted rookie offensive lineman has a larger contingent of fans at an NFL game than any of his teammates, but that happened for Cowboys tackle Shiyazh Pete against the Cardinals on Saturday in Arizona.
"Shiyazh Pete, the first Navajo Nation player in the NFL, got a standing ovation in Dallas' second preseason game and fired up his team with a speech.
"Pete is the first Navajo to ever sign with an NFL team.
Sources
External links- NBCSports.comAug 24, 2026, 1:59 PMCowboys rookie Shiyazh Pete touched by outpouring of support from Navajo fans - NBC Sports
It's not often that an undrafted rookie offensive lineman has a larger contingent of fans at an NFL game than any of his teammates, but that happened for Cowboys tackle Shiyazh Pete against the Cardinals on Saturday in Arizona.
- Yahoo SportsAug 23, 2026, 7:51 PMCowboys rookie Shiyazh Pete earns rave reviews after locker room speech
Shiyazh Pete, the first Navajo Nation player in the NFL, got a standing ovation in Dallas' second preseason game and fired up his team with a speech.
- Yahoo SportsAug 23, 2026, 7:43 PMCowboys rookie Shiyazh Pete gets standing ovation from Navajo after blocking for late TD vs. Cardinals
Pete is the first Navajo to ever sign with an NFL team.
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