Isiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs plays with intense dedication during games, honoring his late siblings: Travoise, Ricky, Felicia, and Celeste. Drafted into the NFL in 2022, the New Jersey native has celebrated two Super Bowl victories in his initial seasons and even scored a touchdown in his debut. As he celebrated his second championship with parents Felicia “Jody” Cannon and Julio Pacheco in February 2024, his thoughts were with his deceased siblings, who have profoundly influenced his life.
Travoise and Celeste both tragically passed away within a year of each other in 2016 and 2017, respectively. While studying at Rutgers University, Isiah would often kneel in the end zone, reflecting on their memories before rejoining the game. “I’ll say a few prayers for my sister and my brother and a couple of people who passed in my life,” Isiah stated in a 2019 interview. “Then I just put everything on the line for my family in the stands.”
Isiah, the youngest of five, has shared stories of his childhood in New Jersey. He grew up in Bridgeton and later Vineland, where he began playing football. His mother recounted how he would cleverly convince his older siblings to cater to his whims, showcasing his strong personality even as the youngest.
Felicia, named after their mother, is often referred to as “Jody” in the family to avoid confusion. Isiah has a necklace that reads “Jody,” signifying his close bond with her. Meanwhile, both Felicia and Ricky maintain a low profile, unlike Isiah, who has gained recognition on the field.
Osiah’s relationship with his oldest brother Travoise revolved around football, which they both embraced as a passion. Travoise was a constant supporter until his untimely death in 2016, which significantly impacted Isiah. He often recalls the guidance Travoise provided and how much he would have enjoyed seeing Isiah’s success in the NFL.
Celeste, Isiah’s sister who loved cooking and dancing, also played a central role in his life. After her tragic death in 2017 due to domestic violence, Isiah felt the void deeply, describing her as a best friend and a pivotal influence throughout his upbringing.
In the wake of their losses, Isiah has turned to his siblings’ memories for motivation. Following Celeste’s death, he delivered a remarkable performance on the field, attributing his success to her spirit guiding him. He aims to honor them through his football career while also proudly engaging with Celeste’s children, instilling in them the love of the sport. He often reflects on how he wishes Celeste could witness these moments firsthand and celebrates their memories in his achievements.