Pacheco Pride and Joy of Rutgers
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Andrew Rosario
Phoenix, Arizona – There will be a certain segment of New Jersey who will be watching the Super Bowl this Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium in Glendale Arizona. It will be a long trip for rookie running back Isiah Pacheco fresh out of Rutgers University a Division 1 school not exactly known as a powerhouse. Yet, the 7th round draft pick (#251) has made the most of his chance and is a big reason the little running back (5’10, 216lbs) has his team in the position to win another Vince Lombardi trophy.
Pacheco’s podium was stuffed with reporters when the team faced the more than 2,500 media members Monday night at the Footprint Center home of the Phoenix Suns. Only quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelsey had more media members at their podiums. Pacheco took it in stride answering questions like a veteran. “I’m feeling very blessed to be here, thankful,” he began. Pacheco talked about how influential his grandparents were in raising him. “l couldn’t be more blessed with the beautiful grandparents l have and how much they have raised me to be the gentleman that l am today. I could not be more thankful for my mother. My mom and dad have been there for me.”
Because of the aforementioned Kansas City stars, Pacheco was having a quiet, yet productive year. He finished gaining 830 yards on 170 carries. In his very first start in a playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pacheco gained 95 yards on 12 carries in the 27-20 win. The same Jaguars team that erased a 27-0 deficit the week before against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Pacheco reflected on playing with Rutgers and how it prepared him for the NFL. “Playing for coach Schiano and coach Argo as the running back coach it all played in a roll in how l’m carrying my business now. Eliminating distractions is something l brought from Rutgers. It helped me form the mind set and mental toughness that l have today.”
Pacheco has not forgotten where he came from and the students who supported him while wearing the Scarlet Knights uniform. He has one message for them. “Continue to chop. You’re always going to have and downs. Stick to the script and believe in god. If you don’t believe in god, believe in yourself. If you have heart that’s all it takes. For me, keep on working.
Isiah Pacheco said he will have more than 13 family and friends in attendance come Sunday afternoon. They’ll also be a whole state rooting for him as well.
