Tarik Cohen one of the greatest offensive players in recent HBCU football history, is preparing to retire from the NFL’s New York Jets.
NFL insider Adam Schefter reports that Cohen has informed the Jets that he will be retiring.
“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.”
Cohen had a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers as a practice squad player in 2023 before signing with the Jets in the offseason.
At North Carolina A&T, Tarik Cohen quickly established himself as a standout player. He became the all-time leading rusher in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) history, amassing 5,619 yards and 56 touchdowns. Known as “The Human Joystick” for his agility and elusive running style, Cohen earned numerous accolades, including three MEAC Offensive Player of the Year awards and being named an FCS All-American multiple times.
Cohen’s stellar college performance caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In the NFL, Cohen continued to impress with his versatility, contributing as a running back, receiver, and return specialist. His rookie season saw him score touchdowns in three different ways–rushing, receiving, and punt return–showcasing his multifaceted skills. In 2018, Cohen was named to the Pro Bowl and earned First-Team All-Pro honors as a punt returner.
Despite facing challenges, including injuries, Tarik Cohen’s impact on the field remains significant. His journey from an HBCU standout to an NFL playmaker underscores the talent and potential present at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.