HENDERSON.- The corridor of the Kansas City ChiefsIsiah Pacheco, appeared relaxed Wednesday as reporters asked him about his peculiar running style.
When asked how he would describe his style, Pacheco cited what the same media would have previously mentioned.
Kansas City coach Andy Reid had his own description, calling Pacheco “a violent runner.”
If any player could run through a wall, it would be Pacheco, tackling linebackers and defensive backs.
The Chiefs will need all of Pacheco’s aggressive, brash style to move the chains and balance Patrick Mahomes’ passing attack when they face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in the Super Bowl.
Pacheco has suffered enormous losses off the field. His two brothers were murdered in his home state of New Jersey, forcing him to grow up quickly.
His brother, Travoise Cannon, was stabbed to death in 2016. He was 29 years old. Pacheco’s sister, Celeste Cannon, died a year later, shot in the head by a man with whom she shared a son. She was 24 years old.
Pacheco was a high school student. He had the opportunity to leave New Jersey, but opted to stay in the state and play at Rutgers.
His best college season came as a sophomore, when Pacheco ran for 729 yards and seven touchdowns. He couldn’t match those numbers in his final two seasons, making him a borderline prospect.
Kansas City was encouraged to bet on him:
The Chiefs saw enough in him to select him in the seventh round of the 2022 draft, but a selection that far back is no guarantee of earning a roster spot.
However, Pacheco not only made the team, he started 11 games, played in all 17, and ran for 830 yards at 4.9 yards per play. This season, Pacheco started 13 games and gained 935 yards with a 4.6 average. He has a combined 12 rushing touchdowns in both seasons.
Reid placed high expectations on Pacheco when comparing him to another running back.
“I hate to even mention this because he was a 49er, but Roger Craig was a violent running back,” Reid said. “He was coming towards you with his knees, his elbows. They are built more or less the same way.”
Pacheco is off to a promising start with the Chiefs and has a chance to beat San Francisco this weekend. He is the fourth running back to start a Super Bowl in each of his first two seasons.
The Niners, however, could pose a big challenge for Pacheco. They were fifth in the NFL this season in run defense, allowing just 97 yards per game.
“They have a great defense,” Pacheco said. “I really want to compete against them.”
FOUNTAIN: AP
