KANSAS CITY — As the Kansas City Chiefs set their sights on a potential three-peat, one of their most electrifying offensive weapons is turning heads before training camp even begins. Running back Isiah Pacheco, fresh off a 2024 campaign marred by injuries and missed opportunities, has returned to the team’s facility looking noticeably different — and better than ever.
Pacheco, entering the final year of his rookie contract, has spent the offseason laser-focused on one goal: proving he’s not just a piece of the Chiefs’ puzzle, but a cornerstone. The 2024 season tested him physically and mentally, with multiple nagging injuries — from a lingering shoulder issue to lower-body setbacks — limiting his explosiveness. He still showed flashes of his trademark aggression, but it was clear he wasn’t at 100%. Now, the bruising back says he’s finally healthy and added what he describes as “good weight” — lean muscle that could be the difference-maker as he aims for a breakout year.
Reports out of OTAs suggest Pacheco has bulked up to around 220 pounds, up nearly 10 pounds from his listed playing weight last year. The added strength hasn’t slowed him down. In fact, teammates and coaches are raving about his burst and energy. According to sources close to the team, strength and conditioning staff worked with Pacheco to tailor a nutrition and lifting plan specifically designed to protect his frame from the punishment he takes every Sunday.
The timing couldn’t be better. Pacheco is playing for his next contract, and in today’s NFL, the value of running backs continues to be debated. For every massive payday like Christian McCaffrey’s, there are a dozen talented backs struggling to secure long-term deals. But if anyone can buck that trend, it might be Pacheco. His violent running style, ability to catch passes out of the backfield, and his fiery leadership have already made him a fan favorite in Kansas City.
General manager Brett Veach has praised Pacheco publicly, noting how much he brings to the locker room and how tough he is between the tackles. With Clyde Edwards-Helaire no longer on the roster and no major additions in free agency, the job is clearly Pacheco’s to lose. If he can stay healthy and maintain his new physique throughout the grueling NFL season, a 1,200-yard rushing campaign isn’t just possible — it might be expected.
What makes this year even more significant is the context surrounding the Chiefs’ offense. With defenses increasingly keying on Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, Kansas City needs its ground game to become more than just a secondary option. Pacheco’s physical transformation could be exactly what the team needs to restore balance and keep the chains moving late in games.
In a contract year, every snap matters. For Pacheco, it’s more than just about stats — it’s about proving he can be a top-tier NFL back, one worthy of a long-term commitment. From what we’ve seen so far, he’s taking that mission very seriously.
The Chiefs have grown accustomed to excellence. If Pacheco’s offseason work translates to Sundays, Kansas City may have found the final piece to yet another championship puzzle — and Pacheco may just cash in on it in a big way.