Sports
Shiyazh Pete 7 Powerful Facts About His Football Journey to the NFL
Shiyazh Pete is an American football offensive lineman whose journey from high school football to the NFL has attracted attention well beyond the football field. After developing his skills at New Mexico State and Kentucky, Pete entered the professional ranks in 2026 as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys.
His story stands out because of his development as an offensive tackle, his Native American heritage, and the determination it took to reach the NFL. For readers searching for shiyazh pete, this guide covers his background, college career, playing position, NFL journey, and the latest information about his professional career.
Who Is Shiyazh Pete?
Shiyazh Pete is a professional American football offensive lineman who currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys list him as an offensive lineman wearing No. 75. Their roster lists him at 6 feet 9 inches and 309 pounds, with Kentucky as his college.
Pete was born on May 25, 2003, in Ronan, Montana. He attended Shiprock High School and later played college football at New Mexico State before transferring to Kentucky for the 2025 season.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shiyazh Tastohyinya Pete |
| Date of Birth | May 25, 2003 |
| Birthplace | Ronan, Montana |
| Position | Offensive Lineman / Offensive Tackle |
| Height | 6’9″ |
| Weight | 309 lbs |
| High School | Shiprock High School |
| College | New Mexico State, Kentucky |
| NFL Team | Dallas Cowboys |
| NFL Number | 75 |
| Professional Status | Rookie |
The listed height and weight can vary slightly between sports databases, so official team information is the best reference for his current NFL measurements.
Early Life and High School Football
Pete grew up playing several sports before football became his primary focus. His athletic background included basketball, wrestling, track and field, cross country, and judo.
He began playing football during seventh grade and eventually developed into a standout offensive and defensive lineman.
Pete attended Shiprock High School in New Mexico, where he became a two-way player on the line. During his senior season, he earned first-team All-District recognition on defense and second-team honors on offense. He also received leadership awards and academic recognition.
His path to college football was not a typical heavily recruited route. He ultimately joined New Mexico State as a walk-on in 2021.
Shiyazh Pete at New Mexico State
Pete spent four seasons at New Mexico State and steadily developed into an important member of the Aggies’ offensive line.
2021: Redshirt Season
Pete’s first season at New Mexico State was a developmental year. He did not appear in a game and used the season to adjust to the college level.
2022: Becoming a Starter
In 2022, Pete appeared in 12 games and started the final nine. His play helped the Aggies finish the season strongly, including a Quick Lane Bowl victory over Bowling Green.
2023: Breakout Season
The 2023 season became an important turning point.
Pete started all 15 games at left tackle and helped New Mexico State achieve a 10–5 record. The Aggies reached the Conference USA Championship Game and played in the New Mexico Bowl.
His performance earned him First Team All-Conference USA recognition.
2024: Injury and Return
Pete entered 2024 with significant expectations and appeared on the watch lists for the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award.
An injury kept him out for the first six games of the season, but he returned to start the final six games at left tackle.
After completing his time at New Mexico State, Pete entered the transfer portal and received interest from several major college programs.
Transfer to Kentucky
Pete chose the University of Kentucky for his final college season and joined the Wildcats in 2025.
The move gave him an opportunity to compete in the Southeastern Conference, one of the highest-profile conferences in college football.
Kentucky made him the starting left tackle, and he started all 12 games during the 2025 season. According to Kentucky Athletics, he recorded a team-leading 35 knockdown blocks and was selected as one of the team’s captains for the game against South Carolina.
His Kentucky season helped increase his exposure to NFL scouts and gave him experience against strong SEC competition.
Shiyazh Pete’s NFL Journey
Pete participated in Kentucky’s pro day in March 2026 as he prepared for the NFL Draft.
He was not selected during the 2026 NFL Draft. However, going undrafted did not end his professional football ambitions.
The Dallas Cowboys signed him as an undrafted free agent shortly afterward. The move marked a major step in his career and gave him the opportunity to compete for an NFL roster position.
Why His NFL Arrival Is Significant
Pete’s signing received attention because of his connection to the Navajo Nation. The Office of the President of the Navajo Nation congratulated him following his signing with Dallas and described shiyazh pete the moment as an important achievement for his community.
His professional journey demonstrates that going undrafted does not necessarily mean the end of an NFL dream. Players can still earn opportunities through free-agent contracts, rookie minicamps, training camp performances, and preseason competition.
What Position Does Shiyazh Pete Play?
Pete primarily plays on the offensive line, with left tackle being a major position during his college career.
An offensive tackle’s responsibilities include:
- Protecting the quarterback from pass rushers
- Creating running lanes
- Blocking defenders at the line of scrimmage
- Maintaining proper positioning and leverage
- Communicating with other offensive linemen
His combination of size and experience at left tackle makes him an intriguing developmental player for an NFL team.
Shiyazh Pete’s College Career at a Glance
| Season | School | Role |
| 2021 | New Mexico State | Redshirt |
| 2022 | New Mexico State | 12 games, 9 starts |
| 2023 | New Mexico State | 15 starts, First Team All-CUSA |
| 2024 | New Mexico State | 6 starts after injury |
| 2025 | Kentucky | 12 starts at left tackle |
| 2026 | Dallas Cowboys | Undrafted free agent |
Kentucky’s official profile credits Pete with 45 total college appearances and 42 starts across his career, including his New Mexico State and Kentucky seasons.
Shiyazh Pete’s Heritage and Personal Background
Pete has Navajo and Salish heritage and has spoken about the importance of culture, family, and community in his life.
His father, Natani Pete, is of Salish and Navajo heritage, while his mother, Geraldine Pete, is Navajo. Pete has also maintained connections to Navajo traditions and has learned basic Navajo and American Sign Language.
Beyond football, his interests include hiking, chess, video games, reading history, and flying drones. Kentucky Athletics also notes that he can solve a Rubik’s Cube in under a minute.
What Makes His Story Interesting?
Several aspects of Pete’s career make his story worth following.
1. He Developed Through College Football
Pete was not presented as an instant national superstar. He developed gradually after joining New Mexico State as a walk-on.
2. He Became a Starting Offensive Tackle
His progression from a developing player to a multi-year starter shows how experience and opportunity shaped his career.
3. He Competed in the SEC
His transfer to Kentucky placed him in the SEC, giving him experience against some of the most competitive programs in college football.
4. He Reached the NFL Without Being Drafted
Pete went undrafted in 2026 but quickly earned a professional opportunity with Dallas.
5. His Journey Has Cultural Significance
His NFL opportunity has been celebrated by the Navajo Nation and has made him a notable figure for young Native American athletes.
What Is Next for Shiyazh Pete?
The next stage of Pete’s career is about earning his place on an NFL roster.
Signing as an undrafted free agent gives a player an opportunity, but it does not guarantee a permanent roster position. Pete will need to compete during practices, preseason activities, and other team evaluations.
For an offensive lineman, consistency, technique, strength, footwork, and understanding of the team’s blocking schemes can all be important factors in earning playing time.
As of August 2026, the Dallas Cowboys’ official roster lists Pete as an offensive lineman wearing No. 75.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shiyazh Pete
Who is Shiyazh Pete?
Shiyazh Pete is an American football offensive lineman who played college football at New Mexico State and Kentucky before signing with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2026.
What NFL team does Shiyazh Pete play for?
Pete is listed on the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 roster as an offensive lineman wearing No. 75.
What position does Shiyazh Pete play?
He is an offensive lineman who has primarily played offensive tackle, including left tackle during his college career.
Where did Shiyazh Pete play college football?
He played four seasons at New Mexico State before transferring to Kentucky for the 2025 season.
Was Shiyazh Pete drafted into the NFL?
No. Pete went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft and subsequently signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent.
How tall is Shiyazh Pete?
The Dallas Cowboys currently list Pete at 6 feet 9 inches tall and 309 pounds.
What number does Shiyazh Pete wear?
The Dallas Cowboys list him as No. 75.
Conclusion
Shiyazh Pete’s football journey is a story of steady development, opportunity, and perseverance. From Shiprock High School to New Mexico State and Kentucky, he built his reputation as a powerful offensive lineman before earning an opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys.
Although he was not selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, his signing with Dallas opened the door to the next stage of his career. His progress will be worth watching as he competes for a place in the Cowboys’ offensive line group.
For fans searching for shiyazh pete, his journey offers an interesting example of how college development, determination, and the right professional opportunity can lead to the NFL.