People like icebergs are masters of deception. What might appear on the surface is just the tip of a vast labyrinth that lies hidden away. Former Chicago Bears running back’s story is set for the storybooks – it recites a tale of acute pain shrouded by apparent prosperity. 

The 28-year-old engaged in a retrospective dialogue with his younger self via “Letter to My Younger Self” published in The Players’ Tribune, wherein he discussed the many hurdles that he had to overcome in the past and the tales of personal loss and injury with grappling details. The letter serves as an emotionally charged reflective piece that puts into perfect perspective how many things are erroneously perceived in our world. 

“Just all that sorrow”: Tarik Cohen’s tale of toils 

“What’s the point?” Like many others, Cohen was also faced with terrible trials in life that caused him to question everything and evaluate the very significance of existence. In the retrospective piece, Cohen shares a deeply personal journey through the recitation of a series of life-altering events, offering vivid and emotional insights.

“Your past ….. it’s all just part of who you are… it won’t make the hurt go,” he said trying to reason and justify the persistent presence of pain in his life.

It’s truly remarkable how he has been able to navigate through these challenges while striving to fulfill his promise of providing for his family. The previous year, Cohen faced considerable adversity, including a knee injury that proved more severe than initially thought, the loss of his twin brother, Tyrell, who lost his life to electrocution in 2021, and his younger brother, Dante, getting shot in the head and subsequently getting paralyzed just before the 2019 season, which was Cohen’s worst in the league in terms of performance. It’s a compelling read that invites reflection on his resilience.

Irrespective of the suffering, the young running back believes, “But who you are can be so much more than just hurt,” and hopes to return to the NFL. 

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Cohen’s impressive NFL career 

Standing at 5’6 tall, the 191-pound running back hails from a small town in North Carolina. Cohen made his mark at HBCU during his college years. His exceptional performance caught the attention of Bears scouts, leading to his drafting as a fourth-round pick in 2017.

Over time, he blossomed into a prominent playmaker, earning All-Pro honors as a returner and signed a three-year, $17.25 million contract extension with the team that had originally drafted him.

Unfortunately, in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons, Cohen suffered significant injuries, including tears to his ACL and MCL, along with a tibial plateau fracture, during a punt return. He was subsequently placed on injured reserve just two days after the game before being designated as reserve/physically unable to perform, sitting out the entire 2021 season.

The Bears released Cohen in 2022 which he recites vividly in his letter, “…it’s been more than 18 months since you last played in the NFL. It’s a few weeks since you got released by the Bears.” But he has not given up on his NFL dreams and continues to hope for a sensational return.

It is great to know for the fans that after recently being cleared to play, the fiery running back has been signed by the Panthers, and will be possibly playing this season. As stated in the note to himself ”… you better believe you have something to prove.” It is now his time to shine.

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