Isiah “Pop” Pacheco, born on March 2, 1999, in Vineland, New Jersey, is an American professional football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League (NFL). He is of Puerto Rican descent on his father’s side and African-American descent on his mother’s side. Pacheco’s football journey began at Vineland High School, where he played quarterback and running back. He later committed to Rutgers University, playing for the Scarlet Knights from 2018 to 2021. During his collegiate career, he amassed 2,442 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, Pacheco was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the seventh round with the 251st overall pick. Despite being a late-round selection, he quickly became a key player. In his rookie season, Pacheco contributed significantly to the Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl LVII, recording 76 rushing yards and a touchdown. He continued his strong performance into the 2023 season, culminating in another Super Bowl win in Super Bowl LVIII, where he rushed for 59 yards and had six receptions for 33 yards. This achievement made him the first running back in NFL history to secure two Super Bowl titles in his first two seasons.
The nickname “Pop” was bestowed upon Pacheco during his youth football days. While playing defense, his family noticed his energetic and impactful playing style, leading them to call him “Pop.” This moniker has remained with him throughout his career.
Pacheco has faced personal tragedies that have shaped his resilience and determination off the field. He lost his brother, Travoise Cannon, in 2016, and his sister, Celeste Cannon, in 2017. These profound losses have been a source of motivation for him, and he honors their memory through his dedication to the sport.
As of February 2025, Pacheco remains a vital asset to the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite facing injuries during the 2024 season, including a fractured fibula and a rib injury, he demonstrated resilience by returning to play and contributing to the team’s efforts. His journey reflects talent, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to honoring his family’s legacy.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Intentionally Disturbing
Join me on this podcast as I navigate the murky waters of human behavior, current events, and personal anecdotes through in-depth interviews with incredible people—all served with a generous helping of sarcasm and satire. After years as a forensic and clinical psychologist, I offer a unique interview style and a low tolerance for bullshit, quickly steering conversations toward depth and darkness. I honor the seriousness while also appreciating wit. I’m your guide through the twisted labyrinth of the human psyche, armed with dark humor and biting wit.