On February 23, 1981 Charles Tillman was born. He was born in Chicago IL. He was educated high school at Copperas Cove, TX. He attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, for football from 1999 to 2002 and was an outstanding student. His nickname was Peanut Tillman because his aunt thought he looked like a peanut when he was an infant. During his boyhood his dad, Donald Tillman Jr. was in the U.S Army and was spread around the world. This made Tillman travel a lot.
Charles Tillman was selected in the second round draft pick by the Chicago Bears in 2003. His position for the Bears was a cornerback. During his starting season with the Bears, he accomplished 83 tackles and 4 interceptions. Tillman’s hard working and team effort made the Bears have the best defense in 2005. Also in 2006, he led the Bears in most tackles, achieving 80 tackles. He also forced a fumble and completed 5 interceptions. Plus he led the Bears to the Super Bowl in 2007 against the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately the Bears lost 29-17, but it was a close game.
The Bears signed Charles Tillman a 6 year contract in 2007. He was named the Walter Payton NFL man of the Year Award on December 8, 2007. In 2009 he intercepted 2 passes one of them making into a defensive touchdown. He made six forced fumbles making the second most forced fumbles in the league. In 2011 Tillman went to his first Pro Bowl. He’s tied in the most interceptions by a cornerback in NFL history with Donnell Woolford. He also achieved 36 fumbles. That is the most fumbles by a defensive back in the league since 2003. On November 4, 2012, he forced four fumbles against the Tennessee Titans which is the most from one player in a single game in league history.
In 2013, the Bears were playing the Detroit Lions when Tillman tore his right triceps. Coach Marc Trestman stated that Tillman should be taken out of the season because of his injury, and the playoffs. He also completed 52.5 tackles, 3 picks and 3 fumbles in 2013. In 2014 he was signed a one year deal. In weak 2, in 2014, Tillman reinjured his triceps against the San Francisco 49er’s. He recorded 9 defensive touchdowns, 36 interceptions out of all Bears cornerbacks. Tillman played for the Bears for 12 years and then was released by Marc Trestman.
Finally, on April 9, 2015 Tillman was signed to the Carolina Panthers for a one year contract. He is turning out very well on the Panthers and is still a fantastic player! His team’s record is 9-0 which might mean him going to the Super Bowl again.
Charles Tillman is a great player and is still playing this very day for the Carolina Panthers.
