The Kansas City Chiefs are on a quest for a first-ever Super Bowl three-peat, and RB Isiah Pacheco still figures to be an integral part of the quest to achieve that goal despite a multi-week absence due to a fractured fibula he suffered in Week 2.
After being drafted in the seventh round by the Chiefs in 2022, Pacheco has shown grit and a great deal of power as a rusher, while also showcasing an incredible ability to consistently shed defenders.
As fans increasingly know him on the field, what’s his background, and how did his story begin? What’s Pacheco’s ethnicity, and what’s his family’s history? Let’s get to know the proud Puerto Rican and his roots.
Isiah Pacheco: Family, Football, and Pride
Pacheco was born on March 2, 1999, in Vineland, New Jersey. He attended Vineland High School, where he played both quarterback and running back. He started playing football at a Pop Warner level, playing for the Vineland Blitz.
He was born to his parents, Felicia Cannon and Julio Pacheco. His father, Julio, is of Puerto Rican descent. His mother, on the other hand, is of Dominican descent. He is the youngest of five siblings. Unfortunately, he lost two of his siblings, Celeste and Travoise, to violence at a young age. Their deaths still motivate him to greatness, and he carries their memories with him in the form of a tattoo mural on his right arm.
Really cool moment after the game as Isiah Pacheco took it all in with his family. I’m so happy for this dude. pic.twitter.com/MMfmNsx78y
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) February 13, 2023
After a successful high school career, Pacheco committed to Rutgers University in 2017. He was also recruited by Syracuse, Maryland, and Virginia Tech. He spent four seasons with Rutgers, where he got plenty of playing time. He compiled 2,442 yards and 18 touchdowns on 563 attempts. He added 47 receptions for 249 yards and one touchdown.
Pacheco was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Chiefs. He has 26 career starts since his arrival in Kansas City. Pachecho came up just shy of 1,000 rushing yards last season, but his unrelenting rushing style is the perfect complement to the Chiefs’ dynamic passing attack.
Pacheco is not shy about collisions on the football field, and he isn’t shy about his Puerto Rican heritage. In fact, he has repeatedly mentioned his ethnicity and, specifically, his connection to being a proud Puerto Rican.
“Every time I enter the field, I bring my culture with me,” Pacheco said.
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Pacheco drew attention when, after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory, he appeared at celebrations wearing the Puerto Rican flag. This was a sign of love for his origins and his striving to pay tribute to his roots on one of the largest platforms in sports.
Pacecho also honored Puerto Rico during Super Bowl 57, as he wore a decal with the country’s flag on the back of his helmet against the San Francisco 49ers. Pachecho’s Super Bowl helmet is now displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.