What Happened To Isiah Pacheco’s Siblings? Everything About The Kansas City Chiefs’ RB Carrying Their Memory Throughout His Career

RB Isiah Pacheco (Photo By Denny Medley/Imagn Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs’ dreams of a historic Super Bowl three-peat came crashing down as they fell 40-22 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. While the loss stings, one player who continues to earn admiration regardless of the outcome is Isiah Pacheco.

The hard-nosed running back has become a fan favorite, not just because of his aggressive running style but also because of the deep personal pain that fuels every step he takes. Pacheco isn’t just chasing a win- he’s carrying the memory of his late siblings every time he takes the field.

The Tragedies That Shaped Isiah Pacheco

Born in Vineland, New Jersey, as the youngest of five, Isiah Pacheco found his love for football early on. His older brother, Travoise, played a big role in that, encouraging him to take up the sport. Pacheco chose to wear the No. 10 jersey, just like his brother. The number carries great significance in Kansas City, as former Chiefs star Tyreek Hill once wore it.

But just as Isiah Pacheco’s football journey was beginning to take shape, tragedy struck. At 16, he lost his older brother, Travoise, when he was murdered. The pain didn’t stop there. A year later, his older sister Celeste was killed in a domestic violence dispute. Losing two siblings in back-to-back years is an unimaginable burden for anyone, let alone a teenager. Yet, Pacheco turned his grief into motivation.

Football As A Coping Mechanism For Isiah Pacheco

Despite the devastating losses, Isiah Pacheco didn’t let his dreams slip away. Just days after his sister’s passing, he ran for 222 yards in a high school victory dedicated to her. On the same day as her funeral, he rushed for 150 yards and scored three touchdowns. While some people crumble under such pain, Pacheco channeled his heartbreak into the sport he and his late brother once bonded over.

His perseverance led him to Rutgers, where he played four seasons, accumulating 2,442 yards and 18 touchdowns. While he wasn’t a highly-touted prospect, he refused to let that stop him. In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Chiefs selected him in the seventh round with the 251st overall pick.

 Also Read: Who Are The Most Important People Behind The Kansas City Chiefs Dynasty?

A Star On The Rise In Kansas City

Few expected Isiah Pacheco to have an immediate impact in Kansas City, but he quickly proved his doubters wrong. In his first-ever NFL game, he scored a touchdown. He played a vital role in the Chiefs’ offense, running with a style often described as “hard and angry.” His unique running form, with powerful knee drives and relentless energy, makes him instantly recognizable. Fans don’t need to see his jersey number- they know it’s Pacheco just by how he moves.

His aggressive approach led to a standout rookie season, which ended with him scoring a touchdown in Super Bowl 57 as the Chiefs defeated the Eagles. After that victory, he promised the media: “We gonna be back.” True to his word, Kansas City returned to the Super Bowl the following year, and Pacheco once again played a crucial role in their Super Bowl 58 win. With two rings in two seasons, he was on the verge of history, looking to become the first NFL player to start his career with three straight championships.

A Legacy Bigger Than Football

Although the Chiefs fell short in Super Bowl LIX, Isiah Pacheco’s legacy is already cemented. His journey from heartbreak to NFL stardom is inspiring. He wears his pain on his sleeve- literally. His arm bears the tattoo: “Go hard or go home,” a mantra that perfectly captures how he plays. He runs, cuts, and stiff-arms with purpose, honoring Travoise and Celeste with each step.

Despite the Chiefs’ loss, Pacheco’s story is far from over. He is not just a running back for Kansas City; he’s a symbol of resilience, a reminder that even through life’s darkest moments, there’s still a way forward. He’ll keep running with the same fire that made him one of the NFL’s most beloved players. Who knows? Maybe one day, mainstream music will embrace “Run Like Pacheco,” immortalizing the spirit of a player who refuses to be stopped.