From Rutgers to the NFL: The College Career of Isiah Pacheco
Isiah Pacheco, nicknamed "Pop," has become a notable name in the NFL as a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. Before his professional success, Pacheco honed his skills at Rutgers University, where he played college football for the Scarlet Knights. This article delves into Pacheco's college statistics, high school career, his transition to the NFL, and the journey that shaped him into the player he is today.
Early Life and High School Career
Born on March 2, 1999, in Vineland, New Jersey, to Felicia Cannon and Julio Pacheco, Isiah Pacheco is of Puerto Rican and African-American descent. He played Pop Warner Football for the Vineland Blitz in Cumberland County, New Jersey, and attended Vineland High School, where he showcased his versatility by playing both quarterback and running back.
At Vineland High School, Pacheco was a two-way player, earning all-state honors on both offense and defense as a senior. During his senior season, he rushed 154 times for 1,414 yards and 18 touchdowns while also throwing for 598 yards and three touchdowns. His performance led to numerous all-state and all-league accolades. Pacheco's success in high school made him a heavily recruited prospect. He received interest from Syracuse, Maryland, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, and other football programs along the East Coast.
College Career at Rutgers
Pacheco chose to stay in his home state and committed to Rutgers University. He played for the Scarlet Knights from 2018 to 2021. Despite Rutgers' struggles as a team during his tenure, Pacheco consistently contributed as a key player. While Rutgers didn't have much team success, the Scarlet Knights advanced to the Gator Bowl during his final season.
2018 Season
In his true freshman season in 2018, Pacheco made an immediate impact, rushing for 551 yards in 11 games and scoring three touchdowns. He ran 111 times for 551 yards and three touchdowns during his true freshman season.
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2019 Season
As a sophomore in 2019, Pacheco started 10 of 11 games and led the team in rushing with 729 yards and seven touchdowns on 169 carries. He also added 13 receptions for 83 yards. On August 20, 2019, Pacheco had 20 carries for 156 yards and four touchdowns in a win over Massachusetts.
2020 Season
In 2020, Pacheco started all nine games, rushing for 515 yards on 116 carries and adding another 130 yards on 19 receptions.
2021 Season
During his final season in 2021, Pacheco continued to lead the Scarlet Knights in rushing, earning honorable mention all-conference honors.
College Statistics Overview
Over his four seasons with Rutgers, Pacheco rushed 563 times for 2,442 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and scored 18 touchdowns. Pacheco saw consistent playing time in each of his four collegiate seasons, rushing 563 times for 2,442 yards (4.3 ypc) and scoring 18 touchdowns. He also contributed as a receiver, showcasing his versatility. While he likely won’t offer much production in the passing game, he’s competent as a check-down option.
NFL Career with the Kansas City Chiefs
Pacheco's college career paved the way for his entry into the NFL. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 251st pick. Despite being a late-round pick, Pacheco quickly proved his worth and became an integral part of the Chiefs' offense.
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2022 Season
In his first professional season, Pacheco made an immediate impact. Pacheco was the starting running back for the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. As a rookie, Pacheco rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in his first Super Bowl. During his rookie season, the Chiefs decided to start rookie RB Isiah Pacheco over Clyde Edwards-Helaire vs. 49ers.
2023 Season
Pacheco returned as the Chiefs starting running back in 2024. In Week 4 of the 2023 season against the Jets, Pacheco had 158 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown in the victory. In Week 12 against the Raiders, he had two rushing touchdowns in the victory. In Week 17 against the Bengals, he had 130 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown in the victory. Pacheco appeared in 14 games and started 13 in the 2023 season. He finished the regular season with 830 rushing yards and 130 receiving yards (a total of 960 scrimmage yards), alongside five touchdowns on the ground.
2024 Season
The Chiefs made key roster moves ahead of Week 3 matchup vs. Falcons. The Chiefs debut an ineffective running back committee in Isiah Pacheco's return.
NFL Statistics Overview
In his three-year career in the NFL, Pacheco has totaled 2,075 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
Super Bowl Appearances
Pacheco has been a part of the Chiefs' success, including multiple Super Bowl appearances. He was the starting running back for the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. As a rookie, Pacheco rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in his first Super Bowl. Pacheco makes NFL history after second Super Bowl victory. In 2025, Super Bowl LIX - Kansas City Chiefs played at Philadelphia Eagles.
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Pacheco's Unique Running Style
Isiah Pacheco has a unique running style with his feet moving a mile-a-minute and a high sense of urgency to get to the next level. He likely won’t offer much production in the passing game but he’s competent as a check-down option. Isiah Pacheco has a real chance to earn an opportunity in the Chiefs offense.
Personal Life and Background
Isiah Pacheco was born in Vineland, New Jersey to Felicia Cannon and Julio Pacheco. He is the youngest of five siblings, and of Puerto Rican descent on his father's side, and African-American descent on his mother's side. After heartbreaking tragedies, Rutgers running back Isiah Pacheco plays football for a bigger purpose. The Emotional Fuel Behind Kansas City Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco's Physical Rushing Style.
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