From Touchdowns to Tassels: Super Bowl Champ Earns His College Degree

Isiah Pacheco walking the graduation stage - Credit: NFL (TikTok)

Sierra Pope | Multimedia News Intern 

3-minute Read

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – Many NFL (National Football League) players wait until their careers end to complete their degrees, but Isiah Pacheco is shifting the timeline, demonstrating the fact that it is possible to chase educational and athletic dreams at once.

Pacheco, a man of Puerto Rican and African American descent, is the Kansas City Chiefs’ Running Back. Since entering the league as the 251st pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, he has achieved great things–like winning the 2022 Mack Lee Hill Rookie of the Year Award, three AFC (American Football Conference) Championships, and two Super Bowls.

Isiah Pacheco smiling after Conference victory - Credit: Brynn Anderson

Now, Pacheco proudly joins the Class of 2025 as a college graduate. He returned to his alma mater, Rutgers University, to pick up where he left off in the department of criminal justice.

Pacheco was at Rutgers from 2018-2021, accumulating 2,442 yards and 18 touchdowns throughout his four years. He left Rutgers 6th all-time in carries and 7th in rushing yards.

Isiah Pacheco posing at his college’s Media Day - Credit: CFBTalkDaily (X)

"In all areas, I just kind of pushed myself to be the best I can be because I’m tired of being underrated," Pacheco said following Rutgers' practice in 2021. "That’s how I feel every day. I look in the mirror, look at myself, I don’t feel like I’m where I need to be. That’s where I just keep pushing myself to where I need to be."

Four years later, Pacheco is celebrating a new collegiate milestone, while wearing one of the most iconic symbols of success–the Super Bowl rings. Without a doubt, Pacheco continues to show up for himself and his team, confirming that discipline and determination can win in the classroom and on the field.