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“I’M HERE TO REWRITE HISTORY” — Former 49ers Bulldozer Aims to Form a “Perfect Duo” with Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City, MO — The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t merely hunting for a stop-gap behind Isiah Pacheco. Since signing Elijah Mitchell in March, the vision of a two-headed backfield built on speed + grit has taken shape: Pacheco remains the engine, while Mitchell is the plug-and-play piece to steady tempo, grind yards, and close games in the fourth quarter. (Mitchell signed as a free agent on March 10, 2025; the team later confirmed it in the new-player availability.)

Right before Week 1, Mitchell fired off a hard line:

“I’M HERE TO REWRITE HISTORY.”

He expanded on it with his trademark competitive tone.

I’m a competitor. I came here to compete,” Mitchell said: “My job is to complement Isiah as best I can—and we’re going to be the best duo in the league. But beyond that, I came to Kansas City to rewrite history: to change how people talk about the Chiefs’ run game, about durability in December, and about what this backfield stands for in January.

In the meeting room, Mitchell’s presence lets the Chiefs diversify 21/12 personnel, use motion to pull defenders toward Pacheco’s orbit, then hammer light boxes—or punish heavy fronts off play-action. Mitchell isn’t flowery about it: “I’ve been running the ball my whole life—let me do my job,” he said in spirit during his first availability.

 

Kansas City enters with a Pacheco–Mitchell core, plus Kareem Hunt’s experience and Brashard Smith’s juice for specialized roles (returns/situational packages). That’s the foundation to turn Mitchell’s declaration into a plan—not just a pregame slogan.

To cap his pre-opener availability, Mitchell summed it up:

“We’re not here to split carries; we’re here to set a standard. With Isiah, every touch is a statement — and in Kansas City, we’re rewriting the backfield script.”

Eagles Star CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 game , as his cousin Justin Fuller a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.   Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.”   DeJean —whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dejean that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how he lives and plays today.” In the Eagles’ defensive system, DeJean has steadily earned complete trust thanks to his versatility — working outside at corner, in the slot (nickel), and on coverage units — and standing out for top-end speed, precise tackling angles, and the ability to read quarterbacks. Coaches describe him as “calm, wise beyond his years, and disciplined at the catch point,” consistently maintaining leverage and finishing clean in tight spaces. Through the first five games of 2025, DeJean has played every defensive snap and totaled 36 tackles (26 solo) with five passes defensed, reinforcing his value on the perimeter and inside.  The Philadelphia Eagles have provided time and private support for DeJean and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. An FAA investigation into the accident is underway, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in across social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. DeJean kept his public remarks brief before being embraced by teammates:“He taught me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”