Shortly after Greg Schiano’s return to Rutgers football, a familiar voice on the other end of the phone signaled a renewal of an old bond.
“Welcome back,” I greeted him.
“Is there anything left in the cupboard?” Schiano replied.
His question was more friendly banter than a genuine inquiry. For a real assessment of the team, he’d ask a coach, not a columnist. I mentioned, “There’s a standout punter and a promising running back named Isiah Pacheco.”
I was merely echoing what more knowledgeable football experts had said. So, what did Schiano discover upon his return?
“How many players have I coached in my career? A lot of tough ones, but he’s absolutely one of the top five toughest,” Schiano remarked. “He’s also the hardest practice player I’ve ever coached. He made himself into what he is. His first year had some good runs, but it was during the COVID year, so I didn’t learn much. However, the summer before his senior year, I saw him constantly in the weight room.
“We started having more conversations then, building trust. Most people hide their feelings, but when they let down that shield, you create trust, which is vital between a coach and a player.
He confided that his upbringing wasn’t easy.” Pacheco’s brother, Travoise, was stabbed to death in 2016, and his sister, Celeste, was fatally shot after moving into her new home. They continue to inspire him; Travoise encouraged him to play football, and Celeste never missed a game.
“I play football for them,” Pacheco says.
“When they drop that shield and let you in, that’s when you get truly connected,” Schiano said. Initially a high school quarterback, Pacheco transitioned to running back at Rutgers, willing to play wherever needed.
The offensive line was still under construction when Schiano took over. Pacheco might have garnered more NFL attention with a stronger line, but his moments on the field increased. His final season saw him rush for 647 yards and five touchdowns.
Schiano noted, “He’s the kind of runner that’s no fun to tackle.”
His teammates elected him captain, recognizing his leadership.
Did Schiano believe in Pacheco’s NFL prospects?
“I thought maybe,” Schiano admitted. “I watched the middle rounds closely because of him. He was picked in the seventh round, and he deserved his shot.”
By midseason, Pacheco had taken over as the Chiefs’ starting running back, amassing 830 yards and five touchdowns, averaging nearly 5 yards per carry, making him one of the top rookie performers.
On Sunday, against a tough Eagles defense, Pacheco could be pivotal in slowing down their formidable pass rush. Starting the season as a third-stringer, he now stands as a key player in Super Bowl LVII.
“Many guys get drafted and make it to camp, but not all stay. He has the will and work ethic to make a career,” Schiano said. Pacheco’s progress as a receiver and blocker has only added to his value. His 85 yards in the AFC Championship Game helped secure the Chiefs’ spot in Super Sunday.