Isiah Pacheco is facing a decisive season in his NFL career after a lost year. The Kansas City Chiefs running back is currently working on gaining weight.

Isiah Pacheco is already pursuing a big and difficult goal for the weeks leading up to his fourth NFL season. The Kansas City Chiefs running back wants to gain weight.

As reported by the franchise fan site “Arrowhead Pride,” among others, Pacheco’s goal is to use the extra pounds to better withstand the physical demands of an NFL season. “After struggling with injuries, I wanted to gain weight and be a little heavier,” the 26-year-old told reporters.

Last season, Pacheco broke his right fibula in a 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Although he returned in Week 13, he was no longer a major factor and did not score again. In the 22-40 Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, he ran for seven yards on three attempts and was unable to really relieve quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Now, the extra muscle mass should help him “surpass myself and become better.” In the future, Pacheco will focus more on being harder to stop with his runs than on successfully weaving his way through the defensive lines. However, the two-time Super Bowl winner did not reveal a specific goal for his weight.

In order to win a third championship, he has also returned to his roots. “I’m from Jersey, so I went home and worked out at the gym where I started at the YMCA,” he said. “People from New Jersey wear Eagles caps all the time. They say, ‘Wow, you came here. We showed you this year. That just motivates you even more.“

Pacheco before his final contract year: ”Feeling great.“

On top of that, Pacheco completed his bachelor’s degree at Rutgers University thanks to online courses. ”It means so much to me and my family. I’m blessed,” he said, delighted with his success.

Another reason for his special motivation: the rookie contract of the seventh-round pick expires after the season. So Pacheco is also playing for his future. For the chance to train next year and tackle another season in the NFL.

“I feel great,” he said, full of enthusiasm: “I would say my mental strength is good and my physical strength is fantastic. I’m just happy.”

Nevertheless, he will feel the pressure on his now broader shoulders after the Chiefs signed Elijah Mitchell following the return of Kareem Hunt and picked up Brashard Smith in the seventh round of the draft.

However, head coach Andy Reid is also optimistic about Pacheco’s future: “He looks really good physically. He’s put on a few pounds.” After last year’s disappointments, he said he looks “great right now.”

The opposing defenses will soon be able to see for themselves.