They Called Him ‘Pop’ for the Sound—But No One Heard the Pain Behind It

To the world, Isiah “Pop” Pacheco is known for his explosive running style and bone-rattling hits. His nickname “Pop” was earned not from showmanship, but from the unmistakable sound his pads made when he collided with defenders. But the real story behind the nickname goes far deeper than any highlight reel.

Born and raised in Vineland, New Jersey, Pacheco learned early how to use force—not just in football, but in life. Behind his aggressive playing style was a young boy channeling heartbreak into every play. Before he ever touched an NFL field, he had already endured the kind of pain that would crush most people.

When Pacheco was in high school, his world was shattered. Within just two years, he lost both his brother and his sister—two devastating tragedies that no teenager should ever have to endure. These losses sent tremors through his home, through his spirit, and eventually, through his game. He didn’t just hit hard; he ran with the weight of grief behind him.

“Football became my release,” Pacheco said in an emotional interview. “Every hit, every run—it was me trying to hold it together. Trying to find peace.”

The sound that earned him his nickname became symbolic of something deeper. It wasn’t just the crack of shoulder pads—it was the echo of a promise. A promise that he wouldn’t let pain define him. A promise that he’d honor the memory of those he lost by pushing forward, yard by yard.

When the Kansas City Chiefs drafted him, it was more than just a football milestone. It was the validation of years of silent struggle and personal perseverance. On the field, he’s explosive. Off the field, he’s a young man who turned tragedy into triumph.

Today, Pacheco carries more than a football. He carries legacy, heartache, and resilience. And with every snap, the nickname “Pop” no longer just represents contact—it represents courage.