Kansas City Chiefs’ Isia Pacheco runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills for the second time … more
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After the final practice of the first week of Organized Team Activities (OTAS), Isiah Pacheco wore a Rutgers jacket appropriately.
Taking online classes, the Kansas City chieftain received his bachelor’s degree from the university.
“It means a lot to me and my family,” Pacheco said. “I’m very blessed.”
Another offseason goal for Pacheco was to add weight following a decline year.
He defeated a right fibre against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second week of 2024, limited to seven games. For the first time in three years in the NFL, he was rushing for just 310 yards per carry season, under 4.0 yards (3.7).
“That’s what happens when you’re injured,” Pacheco said. “And you’re just trying to hurry back.”
OTAS Pacheco said he felt “great,” and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reflected that explanation.
“He looks ridiculous right now,” Reed said. “He’s putting on a few pounds of good weight.”
This is a key year for Pacheco to be at its best.
He signed a $3.7 million rookie contract with the Chiefs in his four-year final season, and is set to become an unlimited free agent in 2026.
The Chiefs added another running back that could also be signed year. They signed the former San Francisco 49ers who will revert Elijah Mitchell to a one-year, $2.5 million free agent contract.
They also took home Kareem Hunt (on a one-year contract) and ran the modified wide receiver Brashard Smith, adding more running backroom.
“It’s an incredible room,” Pacheco said.
You might not think a seventh pick like Smith could have an impact, but Pacheco was drafted in that final round, starting 11 games during his rookie year on his way to a Super Bowl LVII victory, rushing for 830 yards.
All he knows is the Super Bowl throughout his first three years with the Chiefs.
“It’s surreal to go three times in a row,” he said.
Prior to Super Bowl LIX, Pacheco was officially listed at 216 pounds, but his weight could have been well below that.
Pacheco refused to answer when asked to give him a goal in regards to his total weight in 2025, but he returned to the roots and worked out at his local YMCA to add muscle.
Pacheco grew up in Vineland, New Jersey, 45 minutes from Philadelphia, and was used as the source of the Eagles.
While lifting the weights, he naturally saw several other training warriors wearing Eagles hats. Of course, that team just beat the Chiefs 40-22 in the Super Bowl LIX.
“I use that as a big motivation,” Pacheco said.
He was also motivated to pursue a university degree. This is an impressive achievement for successful professional athletes and should not have to place a criminal justice major for immediate use.
“He not only wants to make himself better for the community, but he also wants generations to come to his family,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “That’s special.”
