Two Rings, One Degree: Isiah Pacheco’s Secret Mission Finally Revealed

On May 6, 2025, while the sports world still buzzed about his back-to-back Super Bowl victories, Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco quietly completed a mission he’d been pursuing behind the scenes—a college degree. Pacheco walked across the stage at Rutgers University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, fulfilling a promise he once made to himself and his family. For fans used to seeing him blaze down the field in a red and white jersey, the image of Pacheco in a cap and gown, two championship rings gleaming on his fingers, offered a glimpse into a more personal and powerful triumph.

Born and raised in Vineland, New Jersey, Pacheco’s road to the NFL was paved with adversity and grit. At Rutgers, he built a name as one of the most electric players in the Big Ten, rushing for more than 2,400 yards and catching the attention of NFL scouts with his speed, vision, and heart. In 2022, the Chiefs took a chance on him in the seventh round of the draft—a gamble that quickly paid off. By 2023, he was hoisting his first Lombardi Trophy. A year later, he earned his second.

But behind the highlight reels and roaring stadiums, Pacheco never let go of his academic dream. Even as he became an essential piece of the Chiefs’ offense, he quietly returned to Rutgers during off-seasons, attending classes, submitting assignments, and studying late into the night. While his teammates rested or trained in the summer, Pacheco was back on campus, chipping away at credit hours. “It wasn’t easy,” he admitted. “Balancing football and school pushed me to my limits, but I never wanted to leave anything unfinished.”

What motivated him wasn’t just a diploma—it was a vision. Pacheco majored in criminal justice with the hope of one day giving back, possibly in youth mentorship, law enforcement reform, or community outreach. “Football has given me a platform,” he said in a post-graduation interview. “But I always knew I wanted to use it for more than just touchdowns.”

His graduation drew praise from teammates, coaches, and fans alike, many of whom flooded social media with congratulations. Rutgers also honored him, not just as a football alum, but as an example of perseverance and balance. SHI Stadium, the same field where he once dazzled fans as a Scarlet Knight, became the backdrop of his most meaningful victory yet.

Isiah Pacheco’s journey proves that greatness isn’t confined to the field. With two Super Bowl rings and now a college degree, he’s rewriting what it means to be a champion—both in sports and in life.