NFL's Isaac Rochell Says DMs With 'Racial Remarks' Made Him ‘Reflect on Life'
Former NFL player Isaac Rochell is opening up about his experience receiving "racial remarks" on social media.
"I had someone DM me some racial remarks yesterday, and honestly it just made me reflect on life and who you choose to be," Rochell, 30, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, April 14. "My family is made up of different backgrounds, religions, upbringings, and shades of skin, and there is truly no greater gift. My mom is Italian, my dad is West African, and my wife is Polish, like how unreal is that? That kind of diversity is something I am proud of."
He continued, "When you really think about it, it is incredible how far we have come as people, to live in a world where you can love who you want and build a life together, no matter where you come from. That is a blessing I do not take for granted."
Rochell also shared a black-and-white image holding daughter Scottie, who reached out to touch wife Allison Kuch's pregnant stomach.
"And if you have a problem with the way my skin looks, that says everything about you, and nothing about me," he concluded. "Aka you're a loser."
Rochell entered the public eye after he was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017. He went on to play defensive end on the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders before being released in November 2023. Two years later, Rochell announced his NFL retirement.
"After 19 years, it's time to hang up the cleats. Football has shaped my life in ways I could never have imagined, and I'll forever be indebted to the game and the NFL," he wrote via Instagram in 2025. "A degree from Notre Dame, lifelong friendships, a platform to share my voice, and countless memories-these are just a few of the gifts football has given me. I started playing in 6th grade, and I still remember crying before every practice-crazy how things change. My journey ended with moments I'll never forget, surrounded by teammates who became family.
He continued, "I was a 7th-round pick who defied the odds, grinding my way through 7 seasons in the NFL with nothing but hard work and persistence. While I'll always love the game, it's time to step into a new chapter-one where I take everything I've learned and apply it to what comes next. I can't wait to see where this next phase leads. Let's get to work."
Outside of football, Rochell and Kuch welcomed their first child, daughter Scottie, in December 2023. The pair announced in November 2025 that they are expecting their second baby.
"we're having a baby!!!!✨👶🏼☁️," Rochell and Kuch wrote via Instagram at the time.
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 5:14 PM.