The Lions have found their David Montgomery replacment, we already know which Sonic character he is, too
Welcome to the Sonic and Shadow era
The Detroit Lions and David Montgomery had a breakup not long ago, and the two biggest questions are who will replace him and which Sonic character he will be if Knuckles is gone? Well, the Lions have found their guy.
The Lions are signing running back Isiah Pacheco
Hey, he knows how to get rings. That should help Sonic. Pacheco was drafted in the seventh round by the Chiefs in 2022 and immediately outplayed his draft status by reaching 830 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie year. In his second season, he hit 935 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2024, he fractured his fibula in Week 2 but returned later in the season and even played in the Super Bowl. In 2025, he dealt with some injuries again, but played well when healthy.
We asked our Chiefs beat writer, Charles Goldman, to give some info on Pacheco, and here’s what he had to say.
“A seventh-round pick (251st overall) by the Chiefs in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Rutgers, Pacheco logged 170 carries for 830 yards and five rushing touchdowns as a rookie. He ultimately solidified himself as the team’s starter over former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire with his high-energy and physical running style. He followed his rookie campaign with another impressive season, boasting 249 touches for 1,179 total yards and nine total touchdowns, leading up to a standout performance in Super Bowl LVII with 15 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown. His final two seasons in Kansas City were marred by injury, with a significant leg injury in 2024. He never truly got back to himself with the Chiefs; combined with some issues following his blocks, which led to a clear need for an exit and change of scenery.”
In Detroit, Pacheco doesn’t have to be the number one back, and that’s going to help him out a lot. Don’t expect two 1,000-yard rushers. But Pacheco can absolutely get you 500 yards and five touchdowns and be great on the goal line.
What Sonic character is he?
Now that Knuckles is gone, Shadow is here. Shadow is all about acceleration, controlled chaos, and aggression. In the same type of way, Pachecco plays football. Welcome to the Sonic and Shadow era.
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