New Lions RB Isiah Pacheco Fired Up for Chance to Shine

Pacheco ready to prove 'the real No. 10 is back' after injuries hampered previous seasons

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:48pm

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Newly signed Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco is excited to join the team and show what he can do after two injury-plagued seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. Pacheco, who won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs, is ready to take over the role left by the outgoing David Montgomery and prove he's back to his best form.

Why it matters

The Lions are hoping Pacheco can provide a boost to their running game and help the team compete for a playoff spot. Pacheco's physical, violent running style and pass-blocking abilities make him an intriguing addition to the Lions' offense.

The details

Pacheco, 27, burst onto the scene with two impressive seasons as an undrafted rookie with the Chiefs, accumulating 1,765 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, he was limited to only 772 yards and 2 scores over the past two seasons due to a broken fibula. Now healthy, Pacheco is eager to show Lions fans 'the real (No.) 10 is back' and help the team win a championship.

  • Pacheco won two Super Bowl titles with the Chiefs in his first two seasons.
  • He was limited to only 20 games and 18 starts across the 2024 and 2025 seasons due to injury.

The players

Isiah Pacheco

A 27-year-old running back who signed with the Detroit Lions after winning two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions who is excited to have Pacheco on the team.

Jared Goff

The quarterback of the Detroit Lions who Pacheco is ready to block for.

David Montgomery

The outgoing Lions running back who was traded to the Houston Texans, opening up the role for Pacheco.

Jahmyr Gibbs

Another fast Lions running back that Pacheco plans to team up with in the backfield.

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What they’re saying

“Ahhh, let's (expletive) goooo.”

— Isiah Pacheco, Running Back

“I feel wanted. Now is the time -- well, it was the time to build off the previous years. You're gonna have doubters; it comes with it. It's how you perform and how you react, and I know that I'm willing to give it all, 110%. That's what I love to do.”

— Isiah Pacheco, Running Back

“Through opportunities, you make the best of 'em. I can only control what I can control. If I'm getting 100 carries, I'm getting 100. If I'm getting 20, I'm getting 20. I control what I can control. Keep the same mentality every day in the building, go in there smiling, get guys going, and make sure the team is headed in the right direction.”

— Isiah Pacheco, Running Back

What’s next

Pacheco is slated to take over the lead running back role left by the outgoing David Montgomery, who was traded to the Houston Texans. He is ready to team up with fellow speedy back Jahmyr Gibbs and help the Lions compete for a championship.

The takeaway

Pacheco's physical, violent running style and pass-blocking abilities make him an intriguing addition to the Lions' offense as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season. If he can stay healthy, the two-time Super Bowl champion has the potential to provide a major boost to Detroit's ground game.