New Orleans, LA – The city of New Orleans is known for its deep-rooted history and vibrant culture, much like the Kansas City Chiefs, a franchise that has built a legacy of winning and championship success. While some players are just along for the ride, others, like running back Isiah Pacheco, have become key contributors to the team’s dynasty.
Pacheco, now an integral part of the Chiefs’ offense, didn’t always experience this level of success. During his college years at Rutgers in the Big Ten Conference, victories were far less frequent. Now, he’s thriving under the guidance of head coach Andy Reid and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a championship-caliber team.
“The experience has been incredible,” Pacheco said. “When I got here, people told me, ‘All you know is championships.’ I thought, ‘Wow.’ At Rutgers, I had to help turn things around. My journey has been about overcoming adversity, and now, competing at the highest level for the ultimate prize is surreal. Coach Reid encourages us to be ourselves, and when players feel comfortable, they give their all on the field.”
Pacheco made a significant impact in Super Bowl LVIII, racking up 92 total yards—59 rushing and 33 receiving—as Kansas City secured a 25-22 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The Vineland, New Jersey native played a crucial role during the Chiefs’ game-winning drive, making two key receptions deep in 49ers territory. In two Super Bowl appearances, he has amassed 135 rushing yards on 33 carries, along with a touchdown.
Overcoming Adversity and Adjusting to Change:
Drafted in the seventh round in 2022, Pacheco has proven to be a steal for Kansas City. Over his first three seasons, he has accumulated 2,075 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. However, injuries limited him this past season, as he missed nine games and finished the 2024 regular season with just 310 rushing yards and one touchdown.
The Chiefs’ backfield has seen its fair share of changes this season. Entering the year, Pacheco was the clear-cut lead back, but as Kansas City prepares for Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, he’s now sharing touches with veteran Kareem Hunt.
While the Chiefs haven’t found much success in the running game this season, ranking 22nd in rushing yards per game (105.3), they remain eighth in adjusted rushing Net Expected Points (NEP) per play (0.10). As expected, the offense still heavily leans on quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
With Hunt taking on a larger role in the playoffs, it remains to be seen how Kansas City will deploy its running backs on Super Bowl Sunday. Will Hunt continue to be the primary back, or will Pacheco reclaim a bigger share of the workload?
Pacheco’s Comeback from Injury:
Before suffering a broken fibula in Week 2, Pacheco was the focal point of the Chiefs’ rushing attack. In those first two games, he led all Kansas City running backs in snap rate (74.3%), carries per game (17), scrimmage yards per game (94.5), and red-zone rushing share (70.0%), according to NextGenStats. His injury sidelined him until Week 13, forcing the Chiefs to adjust their backfield.
In his absence, Kansas City brought in Hunt, who immediately became the lead back. From Week 4 to Week 12, Hunt averaged 19.4 rushing attempts, 89.0 scrimmage yards, and controlled 71.4% of the team’s red-zone carries. When Pacheco returned in Week 13, many expected him to gradually take back his starting role. Instead, Hunt has continued to be the team’s primary option.
Over the seven games both Hunt and Pacheco have played together (excluding Week 18 when starters were rested), Hunt has led the team in snap rate (43.4%), rushing attempts per game (14.0), and red-zone rushing share (34.3%). Meanwhile, Pacheco has recorded a 35.3% snap rate, 8.4 rushing attempts per game, and 34.6 scrimmage yards per contest.
Despite the reduced role, Pacheco remains a dynamic playmaker capable of turning the tide of a game. As the Chiefs prepare for Super Bowl LIX, expect him to be a key piece in their offensive strategy against the Eagles.
