Teton Saltes: From Pine Ridge to Pro Football | The Winner’s Edge
Written by daybreak on October 3, 2025
Teton Saltes: A Warrior’s Journey from Pine Ridge to the Gridiron and Beyond
Interview conducted by Daybreak Star Radio Sports Producer, Jermaine Jackson
At Daybreak Star Radio, we believe in amplifying Native voices who are making an impact both on and off the field. Recently, our very own Sports Producer Jermaine Jackson sat down with Teton Saltes, an Oglala Lakota athlete whose journey from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to professional football is a story of resilience, discipline, and purpose.
Born and raised on Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Teton grew up surrounded by a rich legacy of athleticism. His mother competed in basketball and track and field at BYU and Utah State. His father played football at Weber State, while his brother suited up at Southern Utah. His family tree extends even further into greatness—his great uncle on his father’s side was an NBA All-Star, and his great uncle on his mother’s side is none other than Billy Mills, Olympic gold medalist and living legend.
With that kind of lineage, sports seemed destined—but football didn’t always come first. As a youth, Teton’s first love was basketball. But by his junior year of high school, he grew restless and decided to try football. The decision was life-changing. Division I schools began to call, and Teton made a commitment to himself: he would pursue football to the fullest. That promise carried him to the University of New Mexico, where he transitioned from defensive to offensive line—a tough switch, but one that proved pivotal.
His time in college wasn’t only about football. Teton’s leadership and service earned him the Wuerffel Trophy, one of the most prestigious awards in college football, honoring community service and character. For Teton, it was more than a trophy—it was a reflection of the values instilled in him by his family and his community.
From there, his career took him into the NFL, USFL, XFL, and now the UFL. Each stop along the way came with challenges, but Teton stayed grounded in four guiding principles:
“Discipline. Consistency. Accountability. Effort. These take no talent to master.”
“These four pillars are a simple formula, but not easy,” he explained. “The only difference between the people who make it and the ones who don’t is that they never gave up.”
That message—Never give up—is one he carries with him from Pine Ridge. While he acknowledges the beauty of his home community, he also understands the struggles many face there. His mother often reminded him: “Never quit. Young people are watching you. Warrior up! Show them the right way.” It’s a mantra that has guided him through tough moments in life and sport.
In 2024, Teton was inducted into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame, recognizing not only his athletic achievements but also his dedication to uplifting his people. A large part of that work is through Bear Project, his family’s nonprofit dedicated to improving mental health in Native communities.
Mental health is personal for Teton. While at New Mexico, his best friend and teammate Najee Flowers tragically took his own life. That loss fueled Teton’s advocacy, leading him to testify before the New Mexico state legislature. His efforts helped secure $1 million in funding—half for the University of New Mexico and half for the state—for mental health initiatives.
“Our youth is our greatest resource. We have to do everything we can to raise great young people in our Native communities.”
He speaks candidly about life’s challenges, acknowledging that suffering is part of the human experience—but so is beauty. His advice: find hope, seek purpose, and help others.
“When you feel down, go help someone else. There are people who love you, but at the end of the day, the only person who can help you is you. So don’t give up. Keep fighting. Keep searching. Keep hoping.”
Looking ahead, Teton plans to continue playing in the UFL for another year, staying healthy with hopes of returning to the NFL. Beyond football, his long-term goal is to finish law school and return to the reservation to create lasting change. “I want to help the people on Pine Ridge and make a positive impact,” he shared.
Through it all, Teton never strays far from his four pillars—Discipline, Consistency, Accountability, and Effort. He reminds young Native athletes that resiliency is in our DNA. His journey proves that with faith, hard work, and determination, it’s possible to rise from the rez to the world stage while still honoring your people and your purpose.
At Daybreak Star Radio, we celebrate voices like Teton’s because they reflect the spirit of Indian Country—powerful, resilient, and rooted in community. His story is a reminder that no matter where you come from, you can achieve greatness without ever forgetting who you are.
Never give up. Warrior up. And remember: our youth are watching.
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