Ex-Bears’ Tarik Cohen announces retirement from the NFL

Ex-Bears’ Tarik Cohen announces retirement from the NFL originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Former Bears return specialist and running back Tarik Cohen announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday, informing his current team, the Jets, of his decision. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report the news.

Cohen, 29, used a GIF from “The Office” to informally announce his retirement on X.

Cohen signed with the Jets in May after serving a short stint on the Panthers practice squad. Head coach Robert Saleh shared brief excitement about his signing in May.

“Explosive playmaker,” said Jets head coach Robert Saleh. “He’s starting to get back healthy.”

Cohen hasn’t played since he tore his ACL in Week 3 of the 2020 season. He’s tried to mount several comebacks before but has faced numerous obstacles and additional injuries along the way.

The Bears cut Cohen in March 2022. A few months later he popped his Achilles tendon while working out on Instagram Live. Many thought that injury would be the end of Cohen’s career, but Cohen was medically cleared to play in 2023 and joined the Panthers practice squad in September.

Cohen never played in a game for the Panthers, and the team cut him earlier this month.

The Jets appeared interested in Cohen’s prowess as a return specialist given the league’s new rules that are designed to incentivize returns while keeping players safe.

“They’re gonna touch the ball over 100 times per year, which is significant– at least that’s what we’re anticipating,” Saleh said. “A guy like him, he’s still young, obviously coming off his injuries, but we’re excited to have him aboard.”

The Bears selected Cohen in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In 51 career games, Cohen carried the ball 264 times for 1,101 yards and five touchdowns. Cohen was arguably more effective as a receiver out of the backfield, whether it was on quick curls and angle routes, or deeper wheel routes. He caught 209 balls for 1,575…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ex-bears-tarik-cohen-announces-194556546.html

Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-08-01 19:45:56

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