Shiyazh Pete: Finding Yourself Using Culture and Football

Daybreak Star Radio’s sports producer Jermaine got the opportunity to sit down with rising college football star Shiyazh Pete. Shiyazh is part of the Navajo and Salish Nations and currently plays Division One football at New Mexico State University, where he is studying communications.

Though in his early twenties, Shiyazh has a strong sense of self and is motivated to continuously learn and improve. He hopes to one day get into politics and be of service to his community and help create a better future.

Shiyazh didn’t start taking football seriously until his sophomore year in High School, and it wasn’t until he was a part of a college football team that he truly fell in love with it. He learned that football has the ability to transform and build who you are. The more you respect the sport the faster the transformation happens.

He talks about both of his parents being an inspiration to him. He describes his father as is a patient and solemn individual, hard worker, military man, and his mother as passionate and artistic and has fire in her heart. Shiyazh feels very connected to his culture and traditions and discusses how proud he is to be Indigenous and representing his community. He talks about how his family and community taught him how to remember where he comes from and to be passionate about his craft and to draw wisdom from other places.

When it comes to advice for Indigenous youth who want to get into college and professional sports, Shiyazh has an abundance. His first is to take your academics seriously, be curious about learning. It isn’t about memorizing specific facts, it is about teaching your mind to think and conceptualize. His next piece of advice is to find the thing that gives you passion, start out with a broad or small concept and work your way up. Build your resume, take opportunities, be respectful, and have fun. Carpe Diem.

Follow Shiyazh Pete’s incredible career and keep an eye out for him in the future!