Isiah Pacheco Bio
Isiah Pacheco is an American professional football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Pacheco was selected by the Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft. In his first two seasons with the Chiefs, he won Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII.
Early Life and Background
Isiah Pacheco was born on March 2, 1999, in Vineland, New Jersey, to Felicia Cannon and Julio Pacheco. He is the youngest of five siblings and has Puerto Rican and African-American heritage. Pacheco began playing football at a young age, participating in Pop Warner Football for the Vineland Blitz in Cumberland County, New Jersey. He attended Vineland High School, where he played both quarterback and running back. During his senior year, he led his team to victory in the Thanksgiving Day Classic against their rival, Millville Senior High School.
Pacheco’s talent on the field attracted attention from various college programs. He was heavily recruited by schools such as Syracuse, Maryland, and Virginia Tech. Ultimately, he committed to Rutgers University on June 21, 2017, where he continued to develop his skills as a running back.
Path to American Football
At Rutgers, Pacheco showcased his abilities over four seasons. He had a standout performance on August 20, 2019, when he rushed for 156 yards and four touchdowns in a game against Massachusetts. Throughout his college career, he rushed 563 times for 2,442 yards and scored 18 touchdowns, while also catching 47 passes for 249 yards and one touchdown. His consistent performance earned him recognition and set the stage for his transition to the NFL.
Before the 2022 NFL draft, Pacheco participated in the Hula Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl, which helped raise his profile among NFL scouts. He was selected in the seventh round of the draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Isiah Pacheco Career
Early Career (2022)
Pacheco made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2022 season against the Arizona Cardinals, where he scored his first career rushing touchdown. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Chiefs, recording his first career start in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers. In a notable performance against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11, he rushed for a career-high 107 yards on 15 carries. By the end of the regular season, Pacheco had accumulated 830 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, along with 130 receiving yards.
His impressive rookie season culminated in a significant achievement as he played a vital role in the Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl LVII, where he rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. Following the season, Pacheco underwent surgeries to repair a torn labrum and a broken hand, injuries he had played through during the Super Bowl.
Breakthrough (2023)
In his second season, Pacheco continued to excel, becoming the starting running back for the Chiefs. He had a standout game in Week 4 against the New York Jets, accumulating 158 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown. Throughout the 2023 season, he consistently contributed to the team’s success, finishing with 205 carries for 935 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, along with 44 receptions for 244 receiving yards.
Pacheco’s performance in the playoffs was remarkable, as he scored a rushing touchdown in each of the first three playoff games. His second NFL season concluded with another Super Bowl victory, as the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. Pacheco made history by becoming the only running back in NFL history to win two Super Bowls in his first two seasons.
Notable Works and Milestones
Isiah Pacheco’s signature achievements include winning Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII with the Kansas City Chiefs. His performances in these championship games solidified his status as a rising star in the NFL.
Isiah Pacheco Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Isiah Pacheco has received recognition for his contributions on the field, including multiple accolades associated with his Super Bowl victories.
Isiah Pacheco Awards Won
Isiah Pacheco has won two Super Bowl championships, specifically Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII, showcasing his impact as a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Isiah Pacheco Family
Isiah Pacheco was raised in Vineland, New Jersey, by his parents, Felicia Cannon and Julio Pacheco. He is the youngest of five siblings, and his family background has played an important role in shaping his character and determination in sports.
Personal Life
Pacheco has faced personal tragedies, including the loss of his brother, Travoise Cannon, who was killed in January 2016, and his sister, Celeste Cannon, who was murdered in September 2017. He honors their memory through tattoos that represent his roots and family on his right arm.
