Football is not a sport of longevity. The average NFL career lasts less than four seasons. As time goes on, players are doing their part to protect their bodies long-term. That’s the case with a sudden retirement announcement on Thursday, August 1st. Just over two months after signing, New York Jets kick returner Tarik Cohen has announced his retirement. While the news was unexpected after a strong spring, it’s an understandable decision from the long-time Chicago Bear. At one point, Cohen was a featured running back for the Chicago Bears. He even earned All-Pro honors in 2018 as a return specialist. However, years of knee injuries robbed a once prominent talent of his captivating athleticism. Nonetheless, the work Tarik Cohen put forth when healthy is nothing short of commendable. Yet, how will his sudden retirement affect the special teams unit? Let’s take a closer look.
Sources: Former Bears’ RB Tarik Cohen, who was attempting to come back from assorted knee injuries throughout his NFL career, informed the Jets today that he is retiring from football, effectively immediately. At his peak, Cohen was one of the NFL’s most explosive players. pic.twitter.com/RDvVRDU2xg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 1, 2024
Jets Former All-Pro Running Back Stunning Retirement
Tarik Cohen’s career highlights
On Thursday, August 1st, seven-year NFL veteran Tarik Cohen announced his retirement from the sport of football. The news came as a shock to the league after signing with New York back in late May. Cohen went to the NFL after a successful career at North Carolina A&T. Before exciting fans in the windy city, Cohen was a force at the HBCU. A highly recruited track & field athlete, Cohen opted to stay in NC after the HBCU was the only Division One school to offer him a football scholarship.
Running for a staggering 3,131 total rushing yards in his junior and senior seasons combined. Fittingly, Cohen was recognized as one of the best HBCU players in the sport. Such talent was rewarded with the coveted Deacon Jones Award for most outstanding player from HBCUs in his senior year in 2016. He also helped the Aggies win the 2015 Celebration Bowl; scoring three touchdowns. Despite a lack of size at 5’6″, NFL teams were enticed by his talent. Such talent allowed him to become a fourth-round pick by the Chicago Bears in the 2017 NFL Draft. As a result, Cohen became the first NC A&T player to be drafted in 12 years.
Inaugural Black College Football POY Tarik Cohen accepts the Deacon Jones Trophy from Mel Blount, Shack Harris & Doug Williams. #OurGame pic.twitter.com/fTKxsKkGAj
— BlackCollegeFootball (@BCFHOF) February 26, 2017
It didn’t take long for Cohen to make an impact. Cohen made history on October 12, becoming the shortest NFL player to throw a touchdown in 73 years. Yet, it would be 2018 when Cohen would leave his mark. Eager to help Chicago, Cohen became a force on special teams. Suddenly, Cohen became one of the best punt returners in the league. Tremendous speed and elusiveness allowed him to lead the league in punt return yards with 411 yards. This resulted in him receiving first-team All-Pro honors.
Real ones remember how special Tarik Cohen was for the #Bears.
Congrats on a successful career, @TarikCohen! pic.twitter.com/tADI6pP3sp
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) August 1, 2024
A turn for the worse
Unfortunately, things would only go down from here. After an uneventful 2019, Cohen suffered a leg injury in week three during a win against the Falcons in 2020. Upon further examination, it was revealed he not only tore his ACL; but broke his leg and tore his MCL as well. The injury proved far more dire than initially anticipated. Unsurprisingly, Cohen’s recovery cost him the 2021 season as well without playing a snap. Sadly, this would be the last time he was a Bear. After giving him time to recover, Bears GM Ryan Poles released Cohen before the 2022 season.
Initially, Cohen was expected to have suitors eager for the special team’s help. However, this wasn’t the case. An off-season workout on Instagram-live saw Cohen’s fans watch as the running back tore his Achilles mid-routine. Tragically, Cohen’s season would end due to injury for a third year in a row. While hope sprang eternal after a preseason deal with the Carolina Panthers, Cohen was placed on the practice squad and didn’t play in 2023. While his determination to come back is commendable, Tarik’s body just couldn’t handle the game anymore.
How does Cohen’s retirement affect the Jets Special Teams unit?
Finally, we examine how this affects the New York Jets special teams unit. As a result of the new kick return rules, general managers are loading up on speed to help their special teams unit. Admittedly, expecting Cohen to be the primary returner is delusional but his experience was an asset. This drastic change is beneficial to both Xavier Gipson and Isaiah Davis.
Ok Isaiah Davis! #Jets pic.twitter.com/gENzkL19FF
— NY Jets FanView (@NYJFanView) July 27, 2024
Currently, Gipson is competing for the third wide receiver job against Allen Lazard, Malachi Corley, and Jason Brownlee. Followed by rookie Isaiah Davis who is looking to compete for snaps as well. Thus far, he’s the likely third running back behind Breece Hall and fellow rookie Braelon Allen. Opportunistically, Davis can find himself helping the team as their punt returner if Gipson wins a starting receiver job. In my opinion, Davis has the kind of breakaway speed that can be beneficial for an aging Aaron Rodgers and a hopefully rejuvenated Jets offense.
Main Photo: [John Jones] – USA Today Sports
