The Dallas Cowboys have the ability to make history in the 2026 season, as offensive tackle and recent preseason star Shiyazh Pete could become the first member of the Navajo Nation to play in an NFL game.
While Pete has gone viral for an inspiring speech and has not looked out of place at practice, he needs a bit of luck to go his way if he is going to fulfill his trailblazing potential. Dallas is soon approaching their roster cutdown day, and barring something very unforeseen, Pete is unlikely to make the team's 53-man roster as an undrafted player.
However, Pete could revert to the practice squad if he is unable to be a part of the initial loadout. If he sticks there, Pete may be in a solid position to work his way up the proverbial ladder and become a solid depth piece for a Dallas team that has their eyes on a deep playoff run. As if Pete's journey wasn't captivating enough.
Shiyazh Pete could make Cowboys' practice squad after 2026 preseason
In all likelihood, Pete will be given a spot on the practice squad after flashing a bit in camp. Pete still faces long odds of getting into a game, as he would be (at best) the fifth tackle on the depth chart. Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele are the starters, while Nate Thomas and fellow rookie Drew Shelton are the backups.
However, both Thomas and Shelton have struggled in the preseason, with Shelton in particular looking like someone who may only make the final cut due to his fourth-round pick status after a nightmare showing against the Arizona Cardinals. Pete could be promoted if one of those two falters, giving him a chance to break through.
Pete is certainly qualified to earn his shot in the NFL. After forcing his way into a starting role at New Mexico State, Pete transferred to Kentucky, where he started at left tackle for the Wildcats. Despite not being drafted, Pete appears to have the physical strength needed to slow down NFL pass rushers.
Pete has shown that while his heritge has made him a human interest story, but there's a path to his play showing that he can be a reliable backup lineman for a team that has championship aspirations every year.
No matter what happens with him this season, Pete should be a player fans around the league keep an eye on.
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