Isiah Pacheco, of Puerto Rican descent, and Matt Araiza, with Mexican roots, are players for the Kansas City Chiefs who have overcome tragedy and are now on the verge of becoming NFL champions in Super Bowl LIX. Pacheco, a 25-year-old running back, is aiming for his third championship ring with the Chiefs, while Araiza, a 24-year-old punter, is chasing his first title.

The Tragedy That Marked Isiah Pacheco

Isiah is the youngest among his siblings Ricky, Felicia, Travoise, and Celeste. From a young age, he displayed remarkable athletic ability and leadership, qualities that were tested before his college career began. However, his life was marked by two devastating personal tragedies.

In consecutive years, 2016 and 2017, Isiah lost Travoise and Celeste, who were both murdered. His brother was stabbed in his apartment by a man who claimed to be defending himself from an attack but was later found guilty of homicide.

Isiah focused on helping Celeste, who was also going through difficult times. They would get together to cook pastries and listen to music, trying to keep their spirits up. But tragedy struck the Pacheco family again a year later. Celeste was shot in the head by her partner, Donald Scurry, who was sentenced to 65 years in prison.

Carving His Path to the NFL

These tragedies forged Isiah’s character, and he showed NFL scouts, who initially thought he was too short for the league (standing at 5'10"), that they were wrong.

The smallest of the Pacheco family was a burst of talent from the moment the Chiefs selected him in the seventh round of the 2022 Draft. Since then, he has been a key player in the team's victories in Super Bowls LVII and LVIII. Today, Isiah is aiming to lift his third Lombardi trophy and put himself in the running for the title of most successful Latino players in NFL history.

The Most Successful Latinos in the NFL

Tom Flores, of Mexican descent, won four Super Bowls, one as a backup quarterback for the Chiefs in Super Bowl IV, and three as a coach for the Raiders, which earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame. Ted Hendricks, a Guatemalan linebacker, also triumphed in four Super Bowls: one with the Colts in Super Bowl V and three with the Raiders in Super Bowls XI, XV, and XVIII.