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NFL fans pay tribute to Tarik Cohen as explosive RB announces retirement - "Fantasy legend"

NFL running back Tarik Cohen informed the New York Jets that he is retiring. The 29-year-old running back was looking to make a comeback to the NFL after an injury-riddled career, but he called it quits after signing with the Jets at the end of May.

ESPN's NFL reporter Adam Schefter broke the news Thursday morning that Cohen is hanging up the cleats. He looked to make a comeback this year after three years off.

Schefter tweeted:

"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."

Upon hearing the news of his retirment, NFL fans were sad to see Cohen retire and were rooting for his comeback. Many fans wished Cohen good luck in retirement.

Here's how fans reacted:

"One of the easiest players to root for. Wishing him the best," one fan said.
"Aw man. One of my favorite players of the last decade. Wishing him nothing but the best in retirement, dude has been through a lot," one fan said.
"I’m so proud of bro giving it another go after all he went through," another fan said.

Fans were excited to see Tarik Cohen back on the field. There aren't many 5-foot-6 players under 190 pounds in the NFL who can be an X-factor, but Cohen was. Whether it was in the return game or out of the backfield, Cohen had the ability to explode and make any play a big gain. Fans will miss not being able to see that again.

Here's how more fans reacted:

"Enjoy retirement Tarik! You had a hell of a run!" one fan wrote.
"May we never forget his 2018 season when he finished as the RB13. Happy retirement," one fan said.
"As a football fan in general, this sucks to see," one football fan wrote.

Cohen played six years in the NFL, but missed his last two seasons (2021, 2023) due to injuries. He tore his ACL, MCL and had a tibial plateau fracture in 2020 that forced him to miss the rest of the season. He missed the entire 2021 season as he was recovering from the ACL injury.

Looking to make a comeback in 2022, Cohen suffered an Achilles tear on a livestream workout video that delayed him from being cleared for physical activities. He was signed to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad and remained on the practice squad for most of the season.

Tarik Cohen said he felt good earlier this week before retiring

Tarik Cohen during Dallas Cowboys v Chicago Bears
Tarik Cohen during Dallas Cowboys v Chicago Bears

It's a big surprise that Tarik Cohen decided to retire from the NFL. The New York Jets signed him this offseason partially because of the new NFL kickoff rule. They thought he'd be a good return man and he looked good in training camp.

Earlier this week on Tuesday, Cohen spoke to the media and said he felt good and explosive and seemed to be in good spirits:

“I definitely feel all the way back... I’m just trying to show the Jets the explosiveness that I have, the smartness that I’ve gained from being in the league, and lift as I rise — help all the guys in my position group.”

Cohen has't addressed the media after the news of his retirement.

Tarik Cohen was named a Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro during the 2018 season. He retired with 264 carries for 1,101 yards, five rushing touchdowns, 209 receptions, 1,575 yards and nine receiving touchdowns. Additionally, he had over 1,600 return yards and a punt return for a touchdown in his career.

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