LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Former New Mexico State University offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete made his debut with the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday as the Cowboys defeated the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Arizona.<\/p>\n
Pete, a Cowboys rookie, is the first member of the Navajo Nation to sign with an NFL team, according to the Dallas Cowboys.<\/a><\/p>\n The former Aggie entered the game during the fourth quarter and played six snaps on a scoring drive that ended with a touchdown by running back Phil Mafah. <\/p>\n As Pete took the field, supporters waving Navajo Nation flags and wearing his jersey cheered from the stands. He received a standing ovation after returning to the Cowboys\u2019 sideline.<\/p>\n \u201cThe standing ovation was incredible,\u201d Pete told the Cowboys. \u201cI lost count of how many Navajo Nation flags I saw.\u201d<\/p>\n For Pete, the moment carried meaning beyond football.<\/p>\n \u201cI saw hope, courage,\u201d he said when asked what he saw in the crowd.<\/p>\n Pete played for New Mexico State from 2021 through 2024. The 6-foot-8, 320-pound lineman was named first-team All-Conference USA in 2023 and started the final nine games of the Aggies\u2019 2022 season, including the Quick Lane Bowl, according to his NMSU Athletics biography. <\/a><\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: NM State and UTEP’s differing approach to the class of 2022 court ruling<\/a><\/p>\n