New York Jets comeback looks promising for Tarik Cohen

New York Jets running back Tarik Cohen is looking to get back into live NFL action this fall — but first he had to get back in shape.

The former North Carolina A&T running back says he let himself ‘get fat’ while healing from an assortment of injuries that have kept him out of active NFL duty for nearly four years.

“I was at 207, 208, [fat] rolls on the side. I was at the pool and my friend took a picture and sent it to me, and I almost threw my phone against the wall,” Cohen said in his first press conference with the New York Jets back in May.

In Week 3 of the 2020 NFL season, Cohen suffered a devastating torn ACL while playing against the Atlanta Falcons, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. His recovery was further complicated by additional setbacks, including a torn Achilles tendon sustained during a training session in 2022. He signed with the Carolina Panthers as a practice squad player in 2023, but a pulled hamstring delayed his return.

Cohen quickly reversed course and got it in gear.

“I turned it on without the intention of coming back to the NFL,” he said. “I started grinding. “When I first saw I was fat, I signed up for a boxing gym and I got a sauna built in my home. Then when I was losing weight, I started working out and changed my diet.

“I eat steak and eggs now. Really, that’s my only diet. Like cheetahs and lions only eat to survive, that’s what I do now.”

As August commences, he’s looking for a chance to stick with the New York Jets as a return man in addition to a spot in the running room.

“I think he’s doing a nice job,” special teams coordinator Brant Boyer said. “There are some things to clean up and and stuff, but he’s a hell of a player and he’s got really good vision, really good run skill. And they’re working hard back there and we’ll see how it all shakes out at the end.”

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, 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.

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