Tarik Cohen, the 29-year-old running back and return specialist for the New York Jets, has decided to retire from professional football, marking a surprising end to his NFL career just as the preseason was ramping up. Cohen, who last appeared in an NFL game in 2020, had been working to secure a spot on the Jets’ 53-man roster after joining the team in May. His retirement was officially confirmed on Thursday when he was placed on the reserve/retired list.
The decision comes as a significant surprise given Cohen’s recent efforts and his expressed optimism about his return. Just days before announcing his retirement, Cohen had publicly shared his enthusiasm for making a comeback.
He had worked diligently to get back into shape, shedding weight from 208 pounds to 191 in preparation for the season. Cohen had expressed his goal to showcase his explosiveness and the experience he had gained throughout his NFL career, hoping to contribute meaningfully to the Jets and support his fellow teammates in the running back position.
Cohen’s retirement adds to the list of unexpected departures the Jets have faced in recent years. The team experienced a similar shock last August when veteran wide receiver Corey Davis abruptly announced he was stepping away from football, catching the organization off guard. This pattern of surprising retirements seems to be recurring for the Jets, with Cohen’s abrupt decision resonating with the sudden retirement of Davis and echoing a sense of déjà vu.
Cohen was initially drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft from North Carolina A&T. Over his four seasons with the Bears, he established himself as a dynamic playmaker. His standout season came in 2018 when he earned First-Team All-Pro honors as a punt returner. That year, Cohen led the league with 411 return yards and accumulated over 1150 scrimmage yards, playing a key role in helping the Bears secure a playoff berth for the first time in eight years.
During his time with the Bears, Cohen was known for his speed and agility, which made him a formidable threat on special teams and as a versatile offensive weapon. His ability to make significant plays both as a returner and a running back demonstrated his valuable contribution to the team.
The Jets had high hopes for Cohen, particularly in the role of punt returner. Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer had praised Cohen’s performances during training camp, noting his strong vision and impressive running skills. Despite acknowledging that there were areas for improvement, Boyer recognized Cohen’s potential and contributions, indicating that Cohen was a valuable player who could have made an impact.
Cohen’s sudden retirement leaves a gap in the Jets’ plans, particularly on special teams where he was expected to play a crucial role. His departure means the team will need to reassess their strategy and look for other options to fill the void left by Cohen’s unexpected exit.
In summary, Tarik Cohen’s retirement marks the end of a promising but tumultuous period in his career. His decision to step away from football comes as a shock to many, especially after his recent efforts to make a comeback with the Jets. The timing of his retirement mirrors the abrupt departure of other key players from the team, adding a layer of unpredictability to the Jets’ roster decisions as they move forward into the season.
