It’s official now. Isiah Pacheco, once a fan favorite with the Kansas City Chiefs and reportedly one of Taylor Swift‘s “second favorite players,” has left the franchise that brought him two Super Bowl titles.
The 27-year-old running back is set to join the Detroit Lions on a one-year contract, ending a chapter that began when he was drafted by the Chiefs in 2022.
Pacheco‘s departure comes after a few seasons impacted by injuries and shifting roles in the Chiefs’ backfield. Despite those challenges, he played a key part in the team’s backtoback Super Bowl wins and earned admiration from fans – including Swift, who was famously seen enthusiastically celebrating one of his touchdowns a few years ago.
The Lions acquired Pacheco to replace David Montgomery, who was traded to the Houston Texans. In Detroit, Pacheco will share backfield duties with standouts like Jahmyr Gibbs, offering veteran experience and toughness in a crowded running back room.
Pacheco’s Chiefs legacy
Born in Vineland, New Jersey, and a standout at Rutgers before entering the NFL, Pacheco logged more than 2,500 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns during his time with the Chiefs, not to mention an extra impact in postseason play.
That history gives him plenty of credibility as he begins a new phase with Detroit.
His time in Kansas City wasn’t without setbacks. Injuries limited him at times over the past two seasons, and the arrival of new talent shifted the Chiefs’ offensive focus. Still, his contributions helped maintain momentum during championship years.
Fans of both teams have reacted to the news, with many Chief supporters expressing gratitude for Pacheco’s grit and work ethic. For Swifties paying attention to NFL headlines, it’s also meant acknowledging that one of Swift’s preferred players won’t be in the red and gold anymore.
A fresh start in Detroit
Joining the Lions puts Pacheco in a backfield where he can compete for more defined playing time.
The team hopes his experience and toughness will complement Gibbs and give Detroit a powerful ground game as the season approaches.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have already added former Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, signaling a clear direction for their rushing attack this offseason.
That move gave Kansas City flexibility to part ways with Pacheco and still maintain depth at running back.
As for Swift, the pop star’s NFL attention now shifts back to her fiancé Travis Kelce, who recently recommitted to the Chiefs for another season amid retirement speculation.
While fans debate who truly ranks as Swift’s favorite player, Pacheco’s departure marks the end of an era in Kansas City and the beginning of a new opportunity in Detroit for the twotime Super Bowl champion.
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