Ex-Bears running back announces retirement after four-year NFL career

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Jul 25, 2024; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Tarik Cohen (31) participates in a drill during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

One former member of the Chicago Bears is calling it a career.

Former Bears running back Tarik Cohen had a successful four-year career with Chicago where he earned an All-Pro and Pro Bowl nod but has missed the last few years due to a plethora of injuries. Cohen was attempting to make a comeback and spent some time in New York Jets camp but reportedly announced his retirement on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

"Sources: Former Bears’ (running back) 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," Schefter said. "At his peak, Cohen was one of the NFL’s most explosive players."

Cohen was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft by the Bears and made a name for himself for his explosiveness, especially on special teams. He was named first-team All-Pro in 2018 after leading the league in punt returns with 33 and return yards with 411. That season he also chipped in 444 yards on the ground with three touchdowns.

He was a real threat in the air in 2018 had 71 receptions for 725 receiving yards for five touchdowns. Cohen followed it up with 79 receptions in 2019. 

Injuries derailed his career but it certainly still was a successful one. Plus, he spent all four years as a member of the Bears. Hopefully, he will be able to find peace and success in whatever his next chapter is.

More NFL: Ex-Bears defensive end reportedly will work out for Cowboys, per insider

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Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sportswriting across baseball, football and basketball. He has provided coverage for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Celtics throughout his career. 
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