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Cowboys Cut Navajo Nation Hero Shiyazh Pete; What's His NFL Future?
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- Cowboys Cut Navajo Nation Hero Shiyazh Pete; What's His NFL Future?
FRISCO - It's not a surprise. But it is a story.
The Dallas Cowboys on Sunday released rookie offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete in advance of the 5 p.m. cutdown deadline. ... a move involving a fan favorite that will surely make headlines.
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The 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals in their second preseason game last week saw plenty of storylines created.
But it also created a superb moment late in the game. ... and more of the same in the post-game locker room.
Undrafted rookie offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete came onto the field in the fourth quarter and helped block for Phil Mafah 's 14-yard touchdown run.
As Pete entered, he got a standing ovation from hometown fans as the first Navajo to ever sign with an NFL team.
At State Farm Stadium, the noise was deafening, with thousands standing on their feet as Pete took the field. Even as Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett was being interviewed on the sideline, you could hear the cheers and the roar from the crowd as Pete took his spot on the field.
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Oh, Dallas was the away team, too.
So that was a great moment, but then post-game it didn't stop for the offensive lineman, as fans waited to get a glimpse of Pete. The rookie soaked up all the fanfare as he walked along the sideline, greeting fans.
And speaking post-game, Pete was taken back by what has transpired.
"The standing ovation was incredible," Pete said. "Just want to take a moment to thank all the fans and the people who showed up to support me, to celebrate my name, and to wear my jersey. I lost count of how many Navajo Nation flags I saw."
Coming into the game, Pete was always likely to be in late, but in truth, you never know how these things will go in preseason.
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But coming to the game, did Pete expect such a reception from Navajo Nation?
"I had a feeling," he added. "Phoenix is home to a lot of native American tribes, obviously, we got to see that, and it was incredible."
There was another incredible moment, as coach Brian Schottenheimer called on Pete to deliver a post-game speech.
The big (6-9, 309-pound) rookie hesitated a first before delivering a dazzler.
"That was an incredible win," said Pete, 23, gathering himself. "I am very fortunate to be amongst you and to play in the same field, wear the same star holding on our chest. I'm proud of us, proud of how far we've come.
Fate brought us here as strangers, but this game, this star, this team will make us brothers."
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Pete was never going to make the team; he's not near good enough as a football player.
A practice-squad call-back based on his character and personality and backstory and ... maybe a little bit on his talent?
That's the best his fans can hope for now.
