Tarik Cohen

Tarik Cohen is an American former professional football running back and return specialist. Despite his smaller stature, he established himself as one of the most explosive and dynamic playmakers in the National Football League (NFL) during his tenure with the Chicago Bears. He earned First-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors as a returner before severe injuries derailed the latter half of his career.

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

Tarik Cohen was born on July 26, 1995, in Bunn, North Carolina, United States. Standing 168 cm tall, and playing at a listed weight of 82 kg, he often had to overcome skepticism regarding his size with his incredible speed, agility, and elusiveness.

He attended Bunn High School in his hometown, where he excelled in both football and track and field. He committed to playing college football at North Carolina A&T State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

From 2013 to 2016, Cohen had a legendary collegiate career for the Aggies. He was a three-time MEAC Offensive Player of the Year and helped lead the program to a Black college football national championship and a Celebration Bowl victory in 2015.

He finished his collegiate tenure as a highly decorated FCS All-American, breaking the school’s all-time rushing records.

Professional Career

Cohen was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round (119th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, becoming the first player drafted from North Carolina A&T since 2005.

He immediately became a fan favorite in Chicago. Utilized as a “joker” in the Bears’ offense, he was a threat as a runner, receiver, and punt returner. His absolute peak arrived during the 2018 season, where he amassed over 1,100 all-purpose yards and eight total touchdowns. His incredible effectiveness in the open field earned him a Pro Bowl selection and First-team All-Pro honors as a punt returner.

Unfortunately, Cohen’s promising career was tragically altered by a series of devastating injuries. In Week 3 of the 2020 season, he suffered a torn ACL and MCL, which cost him the remainder of that year and the entirety of 2021.

While attempting to rehabilitate, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the spring of 2022.

Displaying immense resilience, Cohen attempted several professional comebacks. He spent time on the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad in 2023 and signed with the New York Jets in the spring of 2024 to compete for a role under the NFL’s new kickoff rules.

Retirement

On August 1, 2024, after a week of training camp practices with the Jets, Cohen officially announced his retirement from professional football.

Career Highlights

• 2018 - First-team All-Pro
• 2018 - Pro Bowl
• 2016 - Deacon Jones Trophy
• 2016 - MEAC All-time leading Rusher
• 2016 - Walter Camp FCS All-American
• 2015 - Black college football national championship
• 2015 - Celebration Bowl Offensive MVP
• 2014 and 2015-2× SBN All-American Team