Charles Tillman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Charles Tillman

Tillman in 2016
No. 33, 31
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1981-02-23) February 23, 1981 (age 44) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High school:	Copperas Cove (TX)
College:	Louisiana–Lafayette (1999–2002)
NFL Draft:	2003 / Round: 2 / Pick: 35
Career history
Chicago Bears (2003) Carolina Panthers (2015)
Career highlights and awards
Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2013) First-team All-Pro (2012) 2× Pro Bowl (2011, 2012) FD Defensive Rookie of the Year (2003) NFL forced fumbles leader (2012) 100 greatest Bears of All-Time 2× First-team All-Sun Belt (2001, 2002) NFL records Most forced fumbles in a season: 10 (2012; tied) Most forced fumbles in a game: 4
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 930 Sacks: 3.0 Forced fumbles: 44 Fumble recoveries: 11 Pass deflections: 140 Interceptions: 38 Defensive touchdowns: 9
Player stats at PFR

Charles Anthony Tillman (born February 23, 1981), also known as "Peanut", is a former American football player. He played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). Tillman played college football for the Louisiana–Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns. The Chicago Bears picked him in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft.

Tillman played for the Bears for 12 years. He helped them reach Super Bowl XLI. He also played one year with the Carolina Panthers, reaching Super Bowl 50 with them. He was chosen for two Pro Bowl games. In 2013, he won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. This award honors players for their great work on and off the field.

He was famous for his skill in covering receivers. He was also known for forcing fumbles by punching the ball away from players. This move was so well-known it was called "the Peanut Punch". In 2022, the NFL even recognized it as a new football concept.

After retiring from the NFL, Tillman joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2018.

Tillman's Early Life and School

Charles Tillman was born in Chicago, Illinois. But he spent most of his childhood traveling the world. His father, Donald Tillman Jr., was a sergeant in the United States Army. His dad was often stationed in different places, from the U.S. to Germany.

Tillman went to eleven different schools as a kid. He eventually graduated from Copperas Cove High School in Texas. In high school, he was a top player. He was chosen for the All-District 8-5A team twice.

College Football Career

Tillman went to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He played for the Louisiana–Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns football team from 1999 to 2002. He started as a left cornerback for all four years. Before college, he played wide receiver in high school.

Tillman earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the university.

Professional Football Journey

Playing for the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears chose Charles Tillman in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft. He was the 35th player picked overall.

Starting His NFL Career (2003-2005)

Tillman signed a contract with the Bears in August 2003. He made his first professional appearance in the Bears' first game of the 2003 season. In that game, he made three tackles and forced his first fumble. This is when he showed his skill at punching the ball away.

He earned his first start in October. In Week 8, Tillman made his first career interception. He also had a season-high 11 tackles in Week 11. In a game against the Minnesota Vikings, Tillman made a game-winning interception. He snatched the ball from Randy Moss in the endzone. This prevented the Vikings from scoring and helped the Bears win 13–10. He finished his first year with 83 tackles, eight pass deflections, four interceptions, and one sack.

In 2004, Tillman had a knee injury. He missed eight games that season. In 2005, Tillman and Nathan Vasher became the main starting cornerbacks. In Week 8, Tillman scored his first career touchdown. He intercepted a pass and ran it back 22 yards. He also forced two fumbles in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bears had a great defense in 2005. They finished with an 11–5 record.

Bears Highlights and the "Peanut Punch" (2006-2014)

From 2006 to 2014, Tillman was a key player for the Bears. In 2006, he led the Bears' defensive backs in tackles. He also had five interceptions. He helped the Bears reach Super Bowl XLI, but they lost to the Indianapolis Colts.

Tillman with the Bears in 2008

The Bears signed Tillman to a six-year deal in 2007. In November 2009, Tillman forced three fumbles in one game. This showed off his famous "Peanut Punch." This move involves punching the ball out of a player's hands. It became his signature play.

After the 2011 season, Tillman was voted to his first Pro Bowl. In 2012, Tillman set a Bears record. He had the most defensive touchdowns in a career with eight. He also forced four fumbles in one game against the Tennessee Titans. This was the most by a single player since 1991. Tillman led the league with ten forced fumbles in 2012. He was also named to his second straight Pro Bowl. He was also chosen for the first-team All-Pro team.

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

In 2013, Tillman had some injuries. He tore his right triceps and missed the rest of the season. In February 2014, Tillman won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. This award recognizes NFL players for their charity work and community efforts.

Tillman suffered another season-ending injury in 2014. He re-injured his right triceps. Tillman holds Bears records for career defensive touchdown returns (9) and career interceptions by a cornerback (36).

Time with the Carolina Panthers (2015)

In 2015, Tillman signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. He recorded his first interception and forced fumble for the Panthers that season. Tillman suffered a torn ACL (knee injury) in the last regular season game. This meant he missed the rest of the season. On February 7, 2016, Tillman's Panthers played in Super Bowl 50. They lost to the Denver Broncos 24–10.

Retiring from Football

On July 18, 2016, after 13 seasons in the NFL, Tillman announced he was retiring from football. He made a video on YouTube to share the news. He signed a special one-day contract to officially retire as a Chicago Bear.

Tillman with Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta in 2010

NFL Career Statistics

Regular season

Life After Football

Tillman was interested in working in law enforcement. In 2017, it was reported that he was training with federal agents. He trained at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Tillman had trained with law enforcement officers even while playing in the NFL. He officially became an FBI agent a day before his 37th birthday.

Personal Life and Charity Work

Tillman often appears on Fox Chicago Sports shows. He also organizes and supports many charity events. His aunt Renee gave him the nickname "Peanut" when he was a baby. This was because his body looked like a peanut. His teammate Mike Brown helped spread the nickname.

Charles and his wife, Jackie, have three daughters and a son.

Tillman started the Tillman's Cornerstone Foundation. Its goal is to help improve the lives of sick children in Chicago. He created the foundation after his second-youngest daughter was diagnosed with a heart condition. She later needed a heart transplant.

Tillman has also worked with United Services Automobile Association (USAA). This was part of their "Thank You" campaign. It highlights the connection between the NFL and the military.

In September 2019, Tillman rowed across Lake Michigan. He did this to raise awareness and nearly $200,000 for childhood cancer research.