ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Shiyazh Pete’s journey in the NFL may have started with a short stint with the Dallas Cowboys, but it was a historic moment for him and his community. When he made his NFL debut in a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals in August, a wave of pride swept through the Navajo Nation. Fans, many of whom traveled long distances, cheered loudly, displaying tribal flags and shouting “yéego,” a phrase that means “with great effort, do it.”
Although Pete played only six snaps during the game, the reception he received upon returning to the sideline was overwhelming—a standing ovation that underscored the significance of his achievement as the first member of the Navajo Nation to join an NFL team.
After being waived by the Cowboys, Pete returned to his roots in the Navajo Nation. He has been actively showing appreciation to his supporters while seeking his next opportunity in the NFL. Recently, he made a surprise appearance at a homecoming pep rally for students at Shiprock High School and served as the grand marshal at the Northern Navajo Nation Fair Parade.
On Monday, Pete will connect with fans at an Indigenous Peoples Day event in Albuquerque, New Mexico, continuing to inspire those in his community.
A Legacy of Native Athletes
Shiyazh Pete’s story is part of a larger narrative of Native athletes who have broken barriers in sports, instilled pride in their communities, and become role models for Indigenous youth. From Olympic champions to professional basketball players, these athletes have changed the landscape of sports.
Historic Achievements
Jim Thorpe, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, was a member of the Sac and Fox Nation. He won gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon at the 1912 Olympics and also played professional baseball and football, showcasing his exceptional versatility.
Another notable figure, Louis Tewanima from the Hopi Nation, made history at the 1912 Olympics by finishing second in the 10,000 meters, setting an American record. His achievements demonstrated the spirit and resilience of Indigenous athletes.
The legacy of Native Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku, known as the father of modern surfing, helped popularize the sport through his Olympic swimming wins and public demonstrations. Kahanamoku’s influence extended beyond sports as he became a beloved cultural icon.
Enduring Impact in Modern Sports
In the marathon scene, Ellison Myers “Tarzan” Brown, from the Narragansett Tribe, won the Boston Marathon twice and represented the U.S. in the 1936 Olympics. Similarly, Billy Mills of the Oglala Lakota Tribe made headlines when he won gold in the 10,000 meters at the 1964 Olympics, marking a significant moment in Olympic history.
Patti Catalano Dillon, a Mi’kmaw descent athlete, became the first American woman to run a marathon in under 2 hours and 30 minutes. Her achievements in distance running have inspired countless female athletes.
In the realm of professional sports, Ryneldi Becenti made history as the first Native American to play in the WNBA, while Aaliyah Nye, of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi, continues to pave the way for Indigenous women in basketball.
Notah Begay III, a successful golfer with Navajo, San Felipe, and Isleta heritage, has made significant contributions to both sports and Native American health through his foundation.
These athletes not only excel in their respective fields but also serve as symbols of hope and perseverance for Native youth, encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
___ Gruver reported from Fort Collins, Colorado.
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This story is published through the Global Indigenous Reporting Network at The Associated Press.
