Former North Carolina A&T Star Running Back Tarik Cohen Announces Retirement from NFL

Former North Carolina A&T star running back Tarik Cohen has announced his retirement from the NFL after attempting a comeback. Cohen, who made a name for himself playing for the Aggies, led the team to two MEAC championships and a win in the first Celebration Bowl in 2015. He also won three straight MEAC Offensive Player of the Year Awards and was the first recipient of the Deacon Jones trophy in 2016.

In 2017, Cohen was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round and quickly made an impact in the league. In his first two seasons, he produced over 3,000 all-purpose yards and scored 12 total touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl and selected to the All-Pro First Team as a punt returner in his second season.

However, Cohen’s career took a turn in 2020 when he suffered a devastating knee injury, tearing his ACL and MCL in a game against the Atlanta Falcons. After missing the 2021 season to recover, he then tore his Achilles during a workout, further delaying his return to the field.

Despite signing with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad and later with the New York Jets, Cohen never got the opportunity to make a comeback. He informed the Jets of his retirement, effectively ending his NFL career.

Fans and teammates remember Cohen as one of the most explosive players in the league, and his retirement marks the end of a promising career cut short by injuries. Cohen’s journey from college star to NFL standout to retirement serves as a reminder of the highs and lows of professional sports.