Ayden Elcyzyn, a standout high school football player from Newcastle, Oklahoma, recently participated in the Native American All-Star Game at the Dallas Cowboys practice stadium, The Star. The prestigious game, which took place in January, showcased top First American athletes’ talents from across the country.
The event was hosted by the Native American Athletic Foundation (NAAF) in partnership with Nike and the National Football League (NFL). Although athletic ability played a strong role in Elcyzyn being eligible to play in the all-star game, his academic excellence also contributed to his selection. To secure a place in the game, he needed to prove his strengths on and off the field.
“I had to fill out an application and submit my film and transcripts to the Native American Athletic Foundation,” Elcyzyn said.
Elcyzyn played as a defensive end in the game, delivering an impressive performance with three sacks, three quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and nine solo tackles. Despite his skillful execution, his team, The Ta’Tanka (Buffalo, in Lakota), fell short in a double-overtime battle against the Wa’ya (Wolf, in Cherokee) with a final score of 37-34.
Elcyzyn, a Chickasaw citizen, said his favorite aspect of the game was the atmosphere. It was his first time stepping foot in The Star, the Dallas Cowboys’ state-of-the-art practice facility at Ford Center in Frisco, Texas.
“It was a blast – it’s the coolest thing I’ve ever been a part of,” Elcyzyn said.
He also admired seeing different First American communities come together to enjoy the sport he loves most.
“It was really fun seeing a bunch of different tribes supporting each other and coming together to play,” Elcyzyn said.
In addition to the game, the event also provided Elcyzyn an opportunity to gain quality coaching, leadership training and college preparation.
Elcyzyn is currently a senior at Newcastle High School, where he has played football throughout his entire four-year career. He said he values the bonds made with his teammates and has enjoyed taking on a leadership role, mentoring and encouraging underclassmen players to remain committed when early opportunities are limited.
“I’ve had to show some of the underclassmen that even though things may not work out your way freshman or sophomore year, if you work hard enough, you’ll be rewarded your last two years,” he said, referring to time spent on the football field.
Elcyzyn’s hard work has paid off, as he has committed to continue his football career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO). He signed onto the team Feb. 5 at the Newcastle High School basketball gymnasium with family, friends and NEO athletic representatives present.
“After lots of prayer and consideration, I have decided to join the Norsemen at NEO where I am ready to get to work at the next level and beyond,” Elcyzyn said in a post made on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Elcyzyn was also offered football scholarships at McPherson College, Southwestern College and Culver-Stockton, but he said his decision to sign with NEO had to do with the coaching staff.
“You could really tell they aren’t just any coaching staff – they are there to build you up and help you develop into the best version of you,” he said.
Outside of football, Elcyzyn said he has a deep interest in meteorology and hopes to pursue a degree that allows him to explore a career in atmospheric science.
“The weather in Oklahoma – it changes in a split second,” he said, when asked what promoted his interest in meteorology.
With a bright future ahead, Elcyzyn continues to chase his dreams on and off the field, demonstrating talent, perseverance and a commitment to excellence.
