Former Pro Bowler decided on Jets comeback attempt after gaining weight

Tarik Cohen talked with reporters on Tuesday for the first time since signing with the New York Jets in late May to attempt a comeback four years after his last NFL game.

The 5-foot-6 former Pro Bowl running back and special teams ace said that he decided after realizing he wasn't happy with his weight.

"I let myself get fat," Cohen said, according to a report by NYJets.com contributor Randy Lange. "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."

Per the report, the 2017 fourth-round pick said he signed up for a boxing gym and got a sauna built in his house to get back in shape but didn't have the "intention" of returning to the league.

"Then, when I was losing weight, I started working out and changed my diet," Cohen said. "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."

Cohen spent the first three-plus seasons of his career with the Chicago Bears until 2020.

"The Human Joystick" had his breakout in 2018, posting career highs in rushing attempts (99), rushing yards (444), rushing touchdowns (three) and receiving yards (725). Cohen led the Bears that season in receptions (71) and yards from scrimmage (career-high 1,169) while scoring eight touchdowns as well (five through the air).

He added 33 punt returns for 411 yards, which led the NFL, and ended the campaign with 1,599 all-purpose yards while earning first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.

Cohen suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 3 of the 2020 campaign, his most recent contest. After being unable to pass a physical in March 2022, Cohen was released by Chicago with an injury designation.

The 29-year-old went down with a torn Achilles during a live-streamed training session on Instagram in May 2022, again delaying his progress.

It was reported in August 2023 that Cohen was healthy and ready for NFL workouts.

He signed with the Carolina Panthers practice squad in September, was placed on injured reserve in November with a hamstring issue, and re-activated in December but never played in a game with Carolina.

Cohen was released by the Panthers in May, but it sounds like he'll have a real shot at making an impact with Gang Green.

"I think he's doing a nice job," Jets special teams coordinator Brant Boyer said per the report, who adding that he has an "army" of six to eight candidates returning kicks this summer.