Rusty Tillman

For the Major League Baseball player, see Rusty Tillman (baseball).

Rusty Tillman

No. 67
Linebacker Kick returner
Personal information
Date of birth: February 27, 1946 (1946-02-27)
Place of birth: Beloit, Wisconsin
Career information
College: Northern Arizona
Undrafted in 1970
Debuted in 1970
Last played in 1977
Career history
Washington Redskins (1970-1977)
Career highlights and awards
70 Greatest Redskins
Games played	107
Fumble recoveries	3
Kick return average	9.9
Stats at NFL.com

Russell Arthur Tillman (born February 27, 1946 in Beloit, Wisconsin) is a former American football player who played linebacker in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins from 1970 to 1977.

Biography

Tillman was nicknamed “The King” for his special teams mastery. He played seven different special teams positions and served as special teams captain from 1974 to 1977. He was a member of Washington’s 1972 NFC Championship squad.

After retiring from football, Tillman stayed in the NFL as an assistant coach for the Seattle Seahawks for 16 years, where he coached special teams, tight ends, linebackers before becoming defensive coordinator. He also spent time as assistant with Tampa Bay, Oakland, Indianapolis and Minnesota. He served as head coach of the XFL’s New York/New Jersey Hitmen. Tillman was called "Gutless Rusty" by WWF announcer and sitting Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura.

Tillman also spent one season assistant coaching a GEJFA team in Washington, the Woodinville Falcons, where his son played. Tillman was a special teams coach in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks in the 1980s and the Minnesota Vikings under Mike Tice.

Sporting positions
Preceded by Floyd Peters	Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator 1995	Succeeded by Monte Kiffin
Preceded by Jim Johnson	Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator 1998	Succeeded by Vic Fangio