Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco certainly believes in himself, the former Rutgers football standout declaring that he is already one of the top running backs in NFL history.
As a rookie, Pacheco impressed and exceeded all expectations as he became a starter in Kansas City by midseason. He finished the regular season with 830 yards and five touchdowns on 170 carries and also made significant contributions on special teams as a kickoff returner. Pacheco scored a touchdown in the second quarter of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win.
Buy Scarlet Knights TicketsA seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Pacheco was recently on the ‘All Things Covered’ podcast (part of the CBS Sports platform). He was asked to give his top five running backs in NFL history.
“My list…growing up. I didn’t watch football that much, but I watched highlights. Barry Sanders was on my highlights. A.P. (Adrian Peterson) was on my highlights. LaDainian Tomlinson three and then I’m gonna get a little bit to this era – Saquon Barkley,” Pacheco said on the ATC podcast.
Barkley, of course, is the star running of the New York Giants.
“Oh, yeah – you got one more,” said host Bryant McFadden, who was clearly a math major at Florida State.
“‘Myself,” Pacheco said with a smile.
Isiah Pacheco’s Top 5 RBs of all time 👀
via @ATCoveredPod pic.twitter.com/KgJJMo5XJK
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) August 30, 2023
Knowing Pacheco’s personality and style, it is likely a safe bet to assume that he was having a bit of fun. But the second-year running back has a tremendous work ethic and intensity both on and off the field.