, N.M. —

Shiyazh Pete, a Native American football player from Shiprock, is making history as the only Native American football player in the Southeastern Conference. Listed at 6 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing 322 pounds, Pete plays one of the most demanding positions in football, the offensive line.

"What makes me who I am is definitely the cultures and identity that I have. I was born with being Salish, being Navajo, that's a big honor to have," Pete said.

According to the NCAA, there has been a 35% increase in Native American student-athletes over the past decade, with more than 2,000 involved in college sports last year, including 417 playing football. This year, only five are playing Division I football, with Pete being the sole representative in the SEC.

"To someone within the c

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