New York Jets Riddell Speed Authentic Helmet
New York Jets helmet (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers is no longer the only former All-Pro looking to return from a serious injury for the 2024 New York Jets, as he will be seeing a lot of Tarik Cohen behind him on the field.

Tarik Cohen, the former Chicago Bears standout who has once again revived his NFL comeback efforts, will join Rodgers and the New York Jets on Wednesday on a reported one-year deal.

Cohen hasn’t played an NFL game since the 2020 campaign but will attempt a comeback with the Aaron Rodgers-led offense.

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh discussed Cohen’s potential contributions to the team by pointing to the NFL’s new kickoff rules for this season.

Even though Tarik Cohen is only 28 years old, his tenure with the Bears was limited by severe injuries.

 

Tarik Cohen Has Exceptional Chance To Make Comeback To The NFL After Rash of Injuries

NY Jets sign running back Tarik Cohen to one-year dealTarik Cohen (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
For the Bears, Cohen was a potent playmaker. In 2018, he had a career-high 1,169 yards from scrimmage, eight touchdowns, and an All-Pro selection as a punt returner.

Cohen’s previous few years have been difficult because of his injuries as well as the untimely deaths of family members. In a 2022 article published in the Players’ Tribune, he demonstrated his tenacity by detailing his challenges and his solutions.

After just three games in 2020, he suffered a torn ACL, torn MCL, and a tibial plateau fracture, as Tori Rubinstein of NBC Sports Chicago documented. Then, in 2022, while working out, he tore his Achilles tendon and required surgery.

He was a member of the Carolina Panthers practice squad the previous season and was preparing for a possible return. But in November, due to a hamstring injury, the NFC South team placed him on practice squad injured reserve.

VIDEO: Jets QB Aaron Rodgers Reveals One Shocking Factor That Almost Made Him Retire From Football

Aaron Rodgers speaking at conference.Aaron Rodgers (Photo via @snyjets Twitter)
It’s well-known among football fans that New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has pondered retirement on numerous occasions.

Some wondered if Aaron Rodgers would retire amid frustrations with the Green Bay Packers’ brass in the 2021 offseason. Even though he went on to win his fourth NFL MVP Award that year, Rodgers again considered retirement in 2022.

Last year, the future Hall of Famer strongly considered retiring. But after enduring a darkness retreat, the Super Bowl 45-winning quarterback decided to continue his playing career. He was traded to the New York Jets ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Two months ago, independent 2024 presidential election candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made headlines when he told ABC News that Rodgers and former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura were his desired running mates.

While speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Aaron Rodgers addressed his friendship with RFK Jr. and stated it was either politics or retirement for him:

“I love Bobby, we had a couple of really nice conversations. But there were really two options. It was retire and be his VP, or keep playing, and I wanted to keep playing.”

 

Both RFK Jr. and Rodgers have been outspoken anti-vaxxers and have spread plenty of misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines. Rodgers has been more open about his political views since joining the Jets, offering plenty of support for RFK Jr. while critiquing U.S. President Joe Biden and Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Aaron Rodgers & Jets Look To Rebound From Wasted 2023 Season

Rodgers’ arrival in Gotham brought rare excitement to a New York Jets franchise that hasn’t had much to celebrate over the past 14 years. Unfortunately, the promising season ended when Rodgers tore his Achilles minutes into his Jets debut against the Buffalo Bills.

New York’s offense suffered without Rodgers as the team limped to a disappointing 7-10 finish.

The Jets need Aaron Rodgers to stay healthy if they’re to compete for a Super Bowl this upcoming season. Their quest to New Orleans (the site of Super Bowl 59) will begin with a Monday night contest against Rodgers’ childhood team, the San Francisco 49ers, in Week 1.