Two days after saying he felt “fully back,” Jets running back and return specialist Tarik Cohen is retiring, a source says.
Cohen informed the Jets of his decision Thursday morning.
The Jets signed Cohen to a one-year deal during OTAs in May. During the first week of training camp, Cohen made some splashes and was expected to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster.
In the spring, the NFL approved a new kickoff format, first adopted by the XFL. Kickers will continue to kick from their 35-yard line, but the other 10 members of the kicking team will line up on the opposing team’s 40-yard line. These changes are intended to encourage more returns.
The Jets thought Cohen could be a return option along with Xavier Gipson, who returned kicks for the team last year. Cohen’s retirement came as a surprise because of his performance.
Cohen, 29, was drafted by the Bears in the fourth round in 2017 out of North Carolina A&T. He spent four seasons in Chicago and was selected to the Pro Bowl and named a first-team All-Pro in 2018. But Cohen hasn’t taken a snap since the 2020 season.
A torn ACL, medial collateral ligament and a fractured leg sidelined Cohen for all but three games in 2020. After the Bears released him in 2021, Cohen tore his Achilles tendon while practicing on an Instagram livestream in 2022.
“I felt so stupid for making that video,” Cohen said Monday. “I did the first rehearsal off camera, and then my best friend was there with me and was like, ‘Rik, it looks like you’re back.’ It was the first day I had run since 2020.”
“I was just too excited. My body wasn’t ready to run that fast or change direction, and my Achilles tendon burst.”
The Panthers signed Cohen to their practice squad last season but released him in the spring.
“I definitely feel like I’m back,” Cohen said this week. “I’m just trying to show the Jets my explosiveness, the intelligence that I’ve gained from being in the league, and elevate myself as I progress, help all the guys in my position group.”
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