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Detroit Lions RB Isiah Pacheco: Call Me Taz, I'm Gonna Go Crazy

New running back is ready to do what it takes to win in Detroit.
Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco arrives on the red carpet before the 2023 ESPYS
Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco arrives on the red carpet before the 2023 ESPYS | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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New Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco is ready to do whatever it takes to meet his goals and to overcome the natural feeling of being unsatisfied, even though he is a two-time Super Bowll winner.

After signing in Detroit, many supporters have been coming up with new nicknames for the duo of Pacheco and Jahmyr Gibbs.

"They can call me Taz,” Pacheco expressed to local reporters. "I’m gonna go crazy. I’m gonna spin, jump, whatever I can do to get that first down.”

Pacheco has an aggressive running style, but has not been able to have the same the level of production, after suffering a fractured fibula in 2024 and dealing with a MCL sprain last year.

“It comes from being unsatisfied. Going out there on the field, you’re never going to know when it’s your last play. Going out there, making that play for your teammate will show you that you care about them and vice-versa," said Pacheco. "When you’ve got a wide receiver blocking down the field, as a running back, you love that shit, because when you get the opportunity to block for him, you’re going to finish everything in the way to get him positive yardage. It just comes with the mentality of being accountable to each other?"

The 27-year-old has had a couple of opportunities to review film of the Lions and to play them in Kansas City.

After Kenneth Walker signed a free agent contract to play for the Chiefs, the Lions were the first team Pacheco thought of.

“They have some big boys on that line. Damn, every time I see the o-line, I’m just sitting back like, ‘Whew, they’re all like fu****g 7-foot!’ I’m like ‘Damn! Who the hell, who is that?’ So, as a younger guy, you get to be around some special guys and everybody has a different mentalities," said Pacheco. "And for me, as a younger guy that’s still growing and willing to learn, just mindful. I’m all ears open, and I’m willing to learn.”

Detroit's running backs coach, Tashard Choice, is also known for being energetic. Even though he is new to the team, Pacheco expressed he has already been given notes on how he can improve his rushing technique.

“Yes, coach Choice. I don’t know if he smiles as much as me, but oh man. We’re gonna have fun in that room. I can tell the energy’s great, the mindset," said Pacheco. "He showed me something today that I was already ready to jump out of my seat and get to work in the room.

"I’m like, ‘Damn. Just that much detail and pinpoint.' I’m gonna write them notes and make sure I get everything I need to get and information to obtain and go out there and perform."

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!