Each NFL team’s Olympic candidate
By Joe Schiller
Chicago Bears: Tarik Cohen, Luge
It’s been a rebuilding season for the Bears and it’ll likely be like that for a few more years but that rebuild is a lot easier knowing they have Tarik Cohen. The fourth-round rookie running back has been a swiss-army knife kind of talent and an incredible one in that. He was a steal out of North Carolina A&T and has a huge future ahead of him in the league. He’s even the Bears’ Olympic candidate in this situation.
They call Cohen “The Human Joystick” named after former Chiefs wide receiver Dante Hall. That’s because Cohen is a video game-like player when he’s on the football field. Whether it’s on a handoff or on a punt or kick return, Cohen has the ability to take it to the house. He’s the first rookie since 1965 to have a rushing, passing, receiving and punt return touchdown in a season. Some NFL players dream of accomplishing just one of these goals and Cohen has done it all in the matter of one season. If that doesn’t tell you how special of a talent he is, then I don’t know what is.
Cohen is extremely short at only 5-6 but his speed makes up for the rest. He’d compete in luge if given the chance to go to the Winter Olympics. Luge sleds are typically made for only one or two people and that’s perfect for a person of small stature. Cohen is effective with his height avoiding defenders and that translates over to the Olympics, even if it’s in a different way.
If the Bears do need an Olympic candidate, maybe Cohen can break out the sled after the season is over.