Well, if you’re looking for a player that will get you excited about the Detroit Lions free agent class, look no further than new running back Isiah Pacheco. The 27-year-old running back brought a ton of energy to his introductory press conference at Allen Park, matching the kind of enthusiasm we’d expect of a Dan Campbell guy.
In fact, Pacheco described his first interaction with Campbell over the phone and re-enacted their profanity-laden conversation.
“I was screaming on the phone, ‘Ahhhhh, let’s
fucking go! I’m ready to go! Put me in,’” Pacheco said! “He’s like, ‘Oh yeah, Pacheco? What number are going (with)? Are you going with 10?’ ‘Fuckin’ right! Let’s go! I’m on my way, I’m coming home!’”
Or, if you prefer the video version, make sure there aren’t any children in the room:
But that was just the tip of the iceberg of Pacheco’s media session. Here are some other highlights from the former Chiefs running back.
On his legacy in Detroit:
“I’m a two-time champ. I’m not satisfied, though. That’s something I’m not satisfied with. I’m more hungry than I ever was, and I’m ready to get to work.“
On his violent rushing style:
“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. 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.
What football means to him:
“Football is my heart. I love it. I bleed it. Shit, I’d die for this shit. It sounds crazy, but I love it that much. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else besides right here on this day and with this new family. We’ve got something to prove, and we’re going to write this story.”
On Jared Goff:
“I just can’t wait to block my ass off for him. And I know the o-line to show what type of player I am. It starts at practice first.”
On his impression of the Lions when playing against them:
“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 fuckin’ 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, 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.”
On meeting Tashard Choice:
“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. 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.’”
On blocking:
“ At camp, that’s where you let the dog out and that’s where you get after each other. Iron sharpens iron in camp, and that’s where the magic happens.”
The video of the press conference has been taken down for now (probably because of profanity), but when the full video is back up, we’ll put it in this post so you can watch the entire thing.
