Isiah Pacheco: The running back who turned early hardship into historic NFL success
In short: Born in New Jersey and nicknamed Taz, Isiah Pacheco rose from a seventh-round draft pick to a two-time Super Bowl champion. His path to the NFL was defined by both immense athletic talent and profound personal loss, ultimately cementing his status as a unique figure in professional football history.
Born on March 2, 1999, in Vineland, New Jersey, Isiah Pacheco’s journey to the professional stage began at Vineland High School, where he excelled as both a quarterback and running back. His collegiate career at Rutgers University saw him become a consistent offensive force, rushing for 2,442 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns across four seasons. Despite his collegiate success, he was not selected until the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft, where the Kansas City Chiefs chose him 251st overall.
Pacheco’s professional career began with immediate impact. He became the only running back in NFL history to secure two Super Bowl victories within his first two seasons, contributing significantly to the Chiefs' wins in Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII. During his debut season, he played through a torn labrum and a broken hand, demonstrating the physical resilience that would define his early tenure. His performance in the 2023 season included 935 rushing yards and nine total touchdowns, further solidifying his role as a starter.
Beyond the field, Pacheco carries the memory of his siblings, Travoise and Celeste Cannon, who were killed in 2016 and 2017, respectively. He honors them through a mural tattoo on his right arm, which also features symbols of his roots in Vineland and at Rutgers. After his time with the Chiefs, Pacheco signed with the Detroit Lions in March 2026. His career has been marked by both high-level achievement and the physical toll of the sport, including multiple surgeries and stints on injured reserve due to injuries like a fractured fibula and knee complications.
While his professional trajectory has been impressive, it remains a testament to his ability to navigate both personal tragedy and the physical demands of elite athletics. As he continues his career with the Lions, his history as a two-time champion remains a rare achievement for a player who entered the league as a late-round selection.
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