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Charles Tillman

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This article is about the American football player. For the pioneer of southern gospel music, see Charles Davis Tillman.

Charles Tillman
refer to caption
Tillman in 2016
No. 33, 31
Position:Cornerback
Personal information
Born: (1981-02-23) February 23, 1981 (age 43)
Chicago, Illinois
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:198 lb (90 kg)
Career information
High school:Copperas Cove
(Copperas Cove, Texas)
College:Louisiana–Lafayette
NFL draft:2003 / round: 2 / pick: 35
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:912
Forced fumbles:44
Fumble recoveries:9
Pass deflections:140
Interceptions:38
Defensive touchdowns:9
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Charles Anthony Tillman[1] (born February 23, 1981), nicknamed Peanut,[2] is a former American football cornerback, who is currently a United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent. He played college football at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft.

Tillman played 12 years for the Bears, helping them reach Super Bowl XLI, and also played one year with the Carolina Panthers, making Super Bowl 50 with the team, although he had been placed on injured reserve earlier in the season. He was selected to two Pro Bowls and was the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2013. He was known for his cover skills as well as his ability to force fumbles by stripping or "punching" the ball away from players, with his well-timed punch of the ball commonly known as the "Peanut Punch".[3]

After retiring from the NFL, Tillman joined the FBI in 2018.

Early years

Tillman was born in Chicago, Illinois, but spent a majority of his youth traveling around the world. His father, Donald Tillman Jr., a sergeant in the United States Army, was frequently stationed in different locations, ranging from United States to Germany. Tillman attended eleven different schools during his youth, but eventually graduated from Copperas Cove High School in Texas.[2] During his time at the school, Tillman was a two-time All-District 8-5A and all-area team selection. The Austin American-Statesman and All-State Class 5A honorable mention named him to the Super Cen-Tex team.

College career

Tillman attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he played for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football team from 1999 to 2002. He started for all four years as a left cornerback after being a wide receiver in high school.[4] His Ragin' Cajuns teammates included future Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor.

Tillman graduated from UL with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.[5]

Professional career

Chicago Bears

Tillman was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.[6] The Chicago Bears selected Tillman in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft, making him the draft's 35th overall pick. He became a starter and recorded 83 tackles and four interceptions during his first year with the Bears. However, an injury during his sophomore year temporarily grounded his career. Tillman rebounded in his third year, recording 93 tackles and five interceptions. His efforts helped the Bears establish the league's best defense in 2005.[2]

In 2006, Tillman was the Bears' leading tackler among defensive backs, recording eighty tackles. He also intercepted five passes (tying for a team high with Ricky Manning Jr.) and forced one fumble. One of the low notes for his season came when he missed the team's final games due to a back injury.[2] Tillman was involved in a notable incident with Plaxico Burress before a prime-time game against the New York Giants. Days before the game, Giants' receiver Plaxico Burress claimed that the Bears' secondary was "average" and "very beatable".[7] Tillman responded by holding Burress to only eleven yards and even intercepting a pass during the game.[8] Many Bears' fans believe that Tillman should have been voted to the 2007 Pro Bowl, as he recorded more interceptions and tackles than DeAngelo Hall and Ronde Barber. Tillman helped the Bears reach Super Bowl XLI, but lost 29–17 to the Indianapolis Colts. Tillman had 11 tackles in the losing effort.[9]

Tillman with the Bears in 2008

The Bears signed Tillman to a six-year deal on July 24, 2007.[10] On December 8, 2007, Tillman was nominated as finalist for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which recognizes players who have performed extensive charity work.[11]

On November 22, 2009, during a Sunday Night Football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Tillman forced three fumbles in one game, two of which were recovered by the Bears.

Tillman (bottom right) and Lance Briggs defend Seattle Seahawks receiver Nate Burleson

During the 2009 season, Tillman recorded two interceptions, including one that was returned for a defensive touchdown. He recorded six forced fumbles, the second-most in the League.[12] During a Monday Night Football game against the Minnesota Vikings on December 28, 2009, Tillman collided with Bears safety Craig Steltz while attempting to tackle Visanthe Shiancoe. The impact of the collision cracked some of Tillman's ribs and bruised one of his lungs. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, and released two days later.[13] After the 2011 NFL season, Tillman was voted to his first Pro Bowl.[14]

In Week 5 of the 2012 season against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tillman passed free safety Mike Brown by setting the Bears franchise record for the most defensive touchdowns in a career with 8 when he returned a Blaine Gabbert interception for a touchdown.[15] Tillman is tied with Donnell Woolford for the most interceptions by a cornerback in team history, trailing only safeties Gary Fencik and Richie Petitbon. He also has forced 36 fumbles, which is the most by a defensive back in the league since 2003.[16]

On November 4, 2012, Tillman forced four fumbles against the Tennessee Titans offense, the most in a game by a single player in league history since the stat began being tracked in 1991.[17] Tillman was considered by various sources as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, competing with Houston Texans defensive end J. J. Watt.[18] Tillman was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl on December 26,[19] making him the first Bears defensive back to be named to back-to-back Pro Bowls since Mark Carrier.[20] He was later named to his first All-Pro team, placed on the first team.[21] Tillman finished the season with ten forced fumbles, which led the league, and his three interceptions returned for touchdowns is tied for the lead league with St. Louis Rams' Janoris Jenkins.[22]

In the 2013 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, Tillman recorded two interceptions, the second time in his career he had two picks, after 2006 against the New England Patriots.[23] Against the Detroit Lions in Week 10, Tillman tore his right triceps, and was placed on injured reserve with the designation to return, and could return by the playoffs.[24] However, on December 16, Bears head coach Marc Trestman reported that Tillman will miss the entire season, playoffs included.[25] Tillman concluded 2013 with 52.5 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles.[26] In February 2014, the NFL awarded Tillman the Walter Payton Man of the Year to acknowledge his charitable efforts and community outreach programs.[27]

The Bears signed Tillman to a one-year contract extension in the 2014 offseason.[28] Tillman suffered his second consecutive season-ending injury during a week 2 match-up against the San Francisco 49ers, when he re-injured his right triceps.[29] Tillman leads the Bears in career defensive touchdown returns (9) and also owns the record for the most career interceptions (36) among all Bears' cornerbacks.[30]

Carolina Panthers

On April 9, 2015, Tillman signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers.[31] Tillman recorded his first interception for the Panthers against Andrew Luck during the Panthers 29–26 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.[32] He recorded his first forced fumble for the Panthers during their 37–29 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Tillman left Carolina's regular season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a knee injury. MRIs confirmed on January 3 that Tillman suffered a torn ACL and missed the remainder of the season.[33] On February 7, 2016, Tillman's Panthers played in Super Bowl 50. In the game, the Panthers fell to the Denver Broncos by a score of 24–10.[34]

Retirement

On July 18, 2016 after 13 seasons in the NFL, Tillman announced his retirement from football via a three-minute YouTube video.[35] He signed a ceremonial one-day contract to retire with the Chicago Bears on July 22.[36]

NFL statistics

Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
G GS Comb Total Ast Sack FF FR Yds Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD
2003 CHI 16 13 83 76 7 1.0 2 0 0 4 27 6.8 32 0 12
2004 CHI 8 7 39 32 7 0.0 1 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 5
2005 CHI 15 15 93 82 11 1.0 4 1 0 5 172 34.4 95 1 16
2006 CHI 14 14 80 68 12 0.0 1 1 40 5 32 6.4 13 1 14
2007 CHI 15 15 75 66 9 0.0 4 0 0 3 24 8.0 20 0 13
2008 CHI 15 15 93 81 12 0.0 4 0 0 3 52 17.3 26 1 17
2009 CHI 15 15 77 65 12 0.0 6 1 0 2 35 17.5 21 1 7
2010 CHI 16 16 82 71 11 0.0 4 3 -8 5 127 25.4 56 0 14
2011 CHI 16 16 99 82 17 1.0 3 2 4 3 66 22.0 44 2 12
2012 CHI 16 16 86 74 12 0.0 10 2 0 3 71 23.7 36 3 16
2013 CHI 8 8 41 32 9 0.0 3 0 0 3 69 23.0 41 0 7
2014 CHI 2 2 8 8 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1
2015 CAR 12 12 55 36 19 0.0 2 1 0 2 0 0.0 0 0 0
Career 168 164 911 773 138 3.0 44 12 40 38 675 17.8 95 9 141
Tillman with Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta in 2010

Post-football career

Tillman has expressed interest in working in law enforcement. In September 2017, the Chicago Tribune reported that he was training with federal agents at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.[37] Tillman previously trained with law enforcement officers while playing in the NFL during the offseason.[37] He gained the qualification a day before his 37th birthday.[38]

Personal life

Tillman often makes appearances on Fox Chicago Sports shows. He also organizes, runs, and advocates numerous charitable functions. Tillman's Aunt Renee nicknamed him "Peanut", since his body resembled the shape of a peanut during infancy. Safety Mike Brown spread the nickname after meeting Tillman during his rookie year.[2] He and his wife, Jackie, have three daughters and a son. In November 2012, Tillman stated that he might miss the Bears game against the Houston Texans in case his wife went into labor, but ended up playing the entire game.[39] On November 13, Tillman and his wife had their third daughter.[40]

Tillman's Cornerstone Foundation mission is to help improve the lives of critically and chronically ill children throughout Chicago. Tillman created the foundation after his second-youngest daughter was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, which resulted in a heart transplant.[41]

Tillman has worked with United Services Automobile Association (USAA) as part of the insurance company's "Thank You" campaign, highlighting cooperation between the NFL and the military services.[42]

In September 2019, Tillman rowed across Lake Michigan to raise awareness and nearly $200,000 for childhood cancer.[43][44]

References

  1. ^ "Profile". rostermon.com.
  2. ^ a b c d e Donnelly, Mike, Charles Tillman - Not Your Typical 'Peanut' (January 18, 2007), nflplayers.com, Retrieved on July 25, 2007.
  3. ^ Greenberg, Jon, Tillman's Peanut Punch for the ages (September 15, 2014), espn.com, Retrieved on June 23, 2015.
  4. ^ Campbell, Rich (October 18, 2013). "Tillman and Griffin III have more in common than Sunday matchup". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  5. ^ Biggs, Brad (February 7, 2018). "Former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman training to join the FBI". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 8, 2018.
  6. ^ "Charles Tillman | Louisiana-Lafayette, CB : 2003 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". Nfldraftscout.com. September 21, 2006. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  7. ^ ESPN, Giants' Burress says Bears CBs 'very beatable' (November 9, 2006), espn.com, Retrieved on July 25, 2007.
  8. ^ Canavan, Tom, Chicago 38, NY Giants 20 (November 13, 2006), Yahoo! Sports, Retrieved on July 25, 2007.
  9. ^ Mayer, Larry, Chalk Talk Story - Did Peanut get shelled in Pro Bowl voting? Archived September 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine (December 22, 2006), chicagobears.com, Retrieved on July 25, 2007.
  10. ^ Mayer, Larry, Tillman agrees to six-year contract extension Archived February 8, 2012, at the Wayback Machine (July 24, 2007), chicagobears.com, Retrieved on July 24, 2007.
  11. ^ Mayer, Larry, Tillman named Bears' nominee for Man of Year honor Archived May 19, 2011, at the Wayback Machine (December 8, 2007), chicagobears.com, Retrieved on December 8, 2007.
  12. ^ "2011 NFL Player Defense Stats - National Football League - ESPN". Espn.go.com. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  13. ^ McClure, Vaughn (December 30, 2009). "Bears' Tillman released from hospital". chicagobreakingsports.com. Retrieved December 31, 2009. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  14. ^ "Tillman among five voted to Pro Bowl". Chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  15. ^ "Bears' defense does it again in 41-3 rout of Jaguars". Chicago Tribune. October 7, 2012. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  16. ^ Mayer, Larry. "Tillman repeats stellar performance". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on October 11, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  17. ^ "Chicago Bears win big, gain steam in NFC playoff race". National Football League. November 4, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  18. ^ Jensen, Sean (November 4, 2012). "Defensive MVP candidates Charles Tillman and J.J. Watt in Sunday night spotlight". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on August 1, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  19. ^ Rosenthal, Gregg (December 26, 2012). "2013 Pro Bowl roster analysis: NFC". National Football League. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  20. ^ Mayer, Larry (December 26, 2012). "Five Bears players voted to Pro Bowl". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on December 30, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  21. ^ Rosenthal, Gregg (January 12, 2013). "All-Pro Team headlined by Adrian Peterson, J.J. Watt". National Football League. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
  22. ^ Mayer, Larry (January 7, 2013). "Reviewing Bears season by the numbers". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2013.
  23. ^ Mayer, Larry (September 8, 2013). "Tillman, Jennings continue to play takeaway in stirring win". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on September 10, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
  24. ^ Mayer, Larry (November 11, 2013). "Charles Tillman headed to IR with triceps injury". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on November 11, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  25. ^ Mayer, Larry (December 16, 2013). "Tillman done for season". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on December 17, 2013. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  26. ^ Mayer, Larry (January 30, 2014). "Jennings a bright spot on defense". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on February 4, 2014. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  27. ^ Rosenthal, Gregg (February 1, 2014). "Charles Tillman chosen Walter Payton Man of the Year". NFL.com. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  28. ^ Jahns, Adam (March 14, 2014). "Bears re-sign Charles Tillman". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on September 16, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  29. ^ Alper, Josh (September 15, 2014). "Report: Charles Tillman done for season with triceps injury". Profootballtalk.com. NBC Sports. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  30. ^ Jahns, Adam (April 12, 2015). "Charles Tillman thanks Bears fans, Chicago in newspaper ad". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved September 2, 2015.[permanent dead link]
  31. ^ Shook, Nick. "Panthers sign Charles Tillman to one-year deal". NFL.com. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  32. ^ "Indianapolis 26 - 29 Carolina: Final OT | 2015-11-02 | National Football League | Yahoo! Sports". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  33. ^ "Green Bay 29 - 37 Carolina: Final | 2015-11-08 | National Football League | Yahoo! Sports". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  34. ^ "Super Bowl 50 - Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers - February 7th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  35. ^ Redford, Patrick. "Charles Tillman announces retirement with incredible video". Deadspin. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  36. ^ Wiederer, Dan (July 21, 2016). "Charles Tillman expected to re-sign, retire with Bears". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  37. ^ a b Barrabi, Thomas (September 20, 2017). "Ex-NFL star Charles Tillman training for FBI: Reports". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on September 20, 2017. Retrieved September 20, 2017.
  38. ^ "Former NFL cornerback Charles 'Peanut' Tillman earns FBI badge, source says". Sporting News. February 23, 2018. Retrieved February 23, 2018.
  39. ^ "Charles Tillman says he will play despite baby's pending birth". Los Angeles Times. November 8, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  40. ^ Sessler, Marc (November 13, 2012). "Chicago Bears' Charles Tillman, wife welcome baby girl". National Football League. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  41. ^ Mayer, Larry (April 9, 2009). "Tillman humbly accepts award on daughter Tiana's behalf". chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on April 10, 2009. Retrieved April 8, 2009.
  42. ^ "USAA teams with NFL to show military support". Officer. Vol. 91, no. 1. Washington, DC: Reserve Officers Association. Winter 2015. p. 101. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  43. ^ "Chicago Bears legend 'Peanut' Tillman completes Lake Michigan row". WGN-TV. September 2, 2019. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  44. ^ "Row4Kids". www.crowdrise.com. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
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