Isiah Pacheco is one of the fastest-rising talents in the NFL, sweeping the nation by storm as a Kansas City Chief. The second-year running back is an important individual to highlight during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Make sure to catch the first and second Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 articles here and here. You don’t want to miss a single article in this series.

The Man Behind The Helmet

Pacheco had a lot of obstacles to clear to get to the NFL. Although Isiah is not defined by his journey, his ability to rise above adversity is a huge testimony to his personal character and makes his story that much more relatable to so many different individuals.

Baby Isiah Pacheco was born in 1999 in New Jersey to his parents, Felecia Cannon and Julio Pacheco. Isiah’s mother’s nationality has not been disclosed, but his father is Puerto Rican and Dominican.

Pacheco is the youngest of five children born to a hard-working couple who tirelessly dedicated themselves to providing for their family of seven. Cannon was a stay-at-home mother, and Julio Pacheco owned his own small business.

Isiah experienced trauma at an age when no one should have to. As a high schooler, two of Pacheco’s siblings were murdered two years apart. In 2016, Isiah’s brother Travoise was killed in his own apartment at age 29. The guilty party pleaded self-defense and only had to serve three years of probation for a lesser charge.

In his grief, Isiah bonded with his sister Celeste even more. The running back has fond memories of his older sister dancing to rap music while making brownies in the kitchen with him. That was until her life was taken as well at the end of 2017. She was found deceased in her home with a GSW to the head. An individual was arrested and charged with the homicide and is serving a 65-year sentence for taking Celeste’s life.

Pacheco’s ability to cope with unspeakable loss at a young age and continue to choose the right path cannot be commended enough.

 

Isiah Pacheco’s incredible work ethic was apparent as he played ball at Rutgers in college. It was proven again when the young man rose from a seventh-round draft pick to a starting running back in the NFL for one of the most skilled teams in the league in one year.

Isiah Pacheco

Chiefs WR Isiah Pacheco (10) – KSHB News

Isiah Pacheco’s Gridiron Greatness

The rookie running back made it to the Super Bowl and won in his first season in the league last year (with a broken hand!). Although that could happen to many players who happen to be in the right place at the right time, Pacheco deserved the honor that comes with that achievement.

In his first year in the NFL, Isiah had five touchdowns, 830 rushing yards, and an average of 4.9 yards per carry overall. Although the Chiefs fell to the Lions in Week 1, that was despite Pacheco. His effort stood out regardless of the score.

Isiah Pacheco chose to wear the Puerto Rican flag on his helmet last season as a way to honor his heritage. This helmet is currently on exhibit at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

It is wonderful that Isiah has chosen to represent his roots in such a tangible way. His story is an inspiration to us all, but it will hold special significance as a role model for many individuals from his background, especially children. Representation is crucial.

The NFL community as a whole is blessed to have such an incredible player and person in Isiah Pacheco. We look forward to seeing all of the amazing things Isiah will do on this field this year and for many seasons ahead.