Former Bears RB Tarik Cohen calls it a career

One of the most heartbreaking stories in recent Chicago Bears history has reached its conclusion. Former Bears running back and punt returner Tarik Cohen has officially retired from football.

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

Selected by Chicago in the fourth round of the 2017 draft, Cohen quickly became a fan favorite as an electric playmaker both on the offense and on special teams. Perhaps his most memorable highlight came on a punt return in his rookie season, dancing backward, sideways, and eventually all the way to the endzone against the 49ers.

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Tarik Cohen houses a 61-yard punt with an insane return! pic.twitter.com/nIAKTcotpe

— This Day in Chicago Sports (@ChiSportsDay) December 3, 2019

Sadly, devastating knee injuries cut his promising career short. After just four seasons and just days after signing a contract extension, Cohen’s right knee took a nasty hit while fielding a punt in a Week 3 game against the Atlanta Falcons. While there was hope he could return for the 2021 season, his rehab took longer than expected. He then suffered another leg injury while training to return to the NFL in 2022.

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 22, 2018, Detroit, MI, USA, Chicago Bears running back Tarik Cohen (29) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.

Tarik Cohen signed with the Jets this offseason and just recently sounded ready to make his return. Instead, he has announced his retirement. If there’s any silver lining to be taken from his career, it’s that he at least was able to sign a lucrative $17 million deal before his injury.