Former North Carolina A&T State University star Tarik Cohen retires from football

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GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A legendary North Carolina A&T State University player is calling it a career.

ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports that Tarik Cohen informed his current team — the New York Jets — that he is retiring from football effective immediately.

Cohen starred for NC A&T from 2013-16 and rewrote the Aggies’ record books during that time.

Aggies’ Tarik Cohen runs from Eagle defenders on his way to his first touchdown during the N.C. A&T 21-14 loss at N.C. Central in a MEAC football game at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, in Durham, N.C. (JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ/News & Record)

He gained over 6,500 yards and scored 59 touchdowns in his four years at A&T. Cohen helped lead the Aggies to the 2015 Black college football national championship and is the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s all-time leading rusher.

Cohen went on to be selected in Round 4 of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears where he made an immediate impact.

DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 13: Tarik Cohen #29 of the Chicago Bears runs for a first down during the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

He was named a first-team All-Pro in 2018 and made the Pro Bowl that same year as a return specialist. Cohen also recorded 725 yards receiving on 71 catches in 2018 emerging as one of the best scat backs in the NFL.

NFC running back Tarik Cohen carries the ball through the line during the NFL Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Sunday, January 27, 2019. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Cohen has always been a fan favorite during his career due to his immense talent relative to his slight frame not often seen at the highest levels of football. He stands at 5-feet-6-inches tall.

Cohen’s career came to a halt in 2020 after he suffered a grueling injury on a punt return, tearing his ACL and MCL. He also suffered a tibial plateau fracture.

He then missed the final 13 games of the 2020 season and the entire 2021 season as he recovered. He would be released by the Bears in March 2022.

Cohen attempted to resurrect his career in 2023 as he signed with the Carolina Panthers practice squad.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 26: Tarik Cohen #33 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates after a tackle during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium on November 26, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)

He signed with the Jets during the 2024 offseason.

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