Former MLB player Dylan Cozens retiring from baseball, pursuing NFL job

“I’ve decided it’s time to chase my dream of playing in the [NFL],” Cozens wrote. “I want to thank the [Phillies, Rays, and Brewers] organizations for giving me the opportunity to play professional baseball but more importantly the people, experiences, and memories I’ll keep forever.”

Cozens was a second-round pick back in 2012, and he earned his MLB debut in 2018. He saw time in 27 games through two seasons with the Phillies, batting only .154 with a homer and two RBIs. The 27-year-old signed a minor-league deal with the Brewers late last year, and he saw time in 31 games this season for their AAA affiliate in Nashville.

His connection to football isn’t completely random. Cozens’ father was a four-year player at the University of Pittsburgh, and he was drafted by the Broncos in the 17th round of the 1976 draft. The younger Cozens was a defensive end in high school, and he committed to play football at Arizona before signing with the Phillies.

From Tim Tebow to Jordan Matthews, there have been plenty of athletes looking to reinvent their careers via the NFL this offseason. Obviously, the difference with Cozens is that he hasn’t played organized football since high school. For what it’s worth, he is still only 27, and his body naturally hasn’t taken the same kind of physical beating as a 27-year-old NFL player. He’s also listed at six-foot-six and 245 pounds, so while he may have to put on some weight to compete as a defensive lineman, he certainly possesses the height.