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 (Copperas Cove, Texas)
College:	Louisiana–Lafayette (1999–2002)
NFL Draft:	2003 / Round: 2 / Pick: 35
Career history
Chicago Bears (2003) Carolina Panthers (2015)
Roster status:	Retired
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), known as "Peanut", is a former professional football player. He played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He 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. He was chosen for two Pro Bowls. In 2013, he won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

He was famous for his "Peanut Punch". This was a special move where he would punch the ball away from other players. In 2022, the NFL even recognized it as a new football concept. After retiring from football, Tillman joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2018.

Early Life and School Years

Tillman was born in Chicago, Illinois. He moved around a lot as a kid. His father was a sergeant in the United States Army. This meant the family lived in many different places, including Germany.

Tillman went to eleven different schools. He graduated from Copperas Cove High School in Texas. In high school, he was a top player. He was named to 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.

He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from ULL.

Playing in the NFL

Joining the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears picked Charles Tillman in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft. He was the 35th player chosen overall. He was the sixth cornerback picked that year. Tillman was the highest player ever drafted from Louisiana–Lafayette.

Rookie Season (2003)

Tillman signed a five-year contract with the Bears. He started as a backup cornerback. By Week 5, he became a starting player. In his first season, he made 86 tackles and four interceptions. He also forced two fumbles and had one sack.

Key Seasons with the Bears

Tillman quickly became a star for the Bears. He was known for his strong defense. He often played alongside Nathan Vasher and later Tim Jennings.

In 2005, he scored his first career touchdown. He intercepted a pass and ran it back 22 yards. That year, the Bears had the best defense in the league. They made it to the playoffs.

In 2006, Tillman helped the Bears reach Super Bowl XLI. He had a great season with five interceptions. He also recovered a fumble and ran it back for a touchdown. In the Super Bowl, he made 11 tackles and forced a fumble.

Tillman continued to be a key player. He was known for forcing fumbles. This move became famous as the "Peanut Punch." He would punch the ball out of a player's hands.

Pro Bowl and All-Pro Years

In 2011, Tillman had a career-high 100 tackles. He also forced four fumbles and made three interceptions. He was selected for his first Pro Bowl.

The 2012 season was one of his best. He set an NFL record by forcing 10 fumbles in one season. He also had three interceptions, returning three of them for touchdowns. This set a Bears record for most defensive touchdowns. He was selected for his second Pro Bowl. He was also named to the First-Team All-Pro. Many people thought he should win Defensive Player of the Year.

Later Bears Seasons

In 2013, Tillman won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. This award recognizes players for their work in the community. He played in eight games before a triceps injury ended his season.

In 2014, he signed a new contract with the Bears. However, he injured his triceps again early in the season. This injury kept him out for the rest of the year. He holds the Bears' record for most career defensive touchdowns (9). He also has the most interceptions (36) among all Bears cornerbacks.

Tillman with the Bears in 2008

Time with the Carolina Panthers (2015)

In 2015, Tillman signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. He reunited with coach Ron Rivera, who was his defensive coordinator with the Bears. He became a starting cornerback for the Panthers.

He played in 12 games, making 55 tackles and two interceptions. He also forced two fumbles. The Panthers had a great season, finishing with a 15–1 record. They reached Super Bowl 50. Unfortunately, Tillman tore his ACL in the last game of the regular season. This meant he could not play in the Super Bowl. The Panthers lost to the Denver Broncos.

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

Retirement from Football

On July 18, 2016, Charles Tillman announced his retirement. He had played 13 seasons in the NFL. A few days later, he signed a special one-day contract. This allowed him to officially retire as a Chicago Bear.

Life After Football

Tillman always wanted to work in law enforcement. In 2018, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He became a Special Agent. He had trained with federal agents before, even while playing football.

Personal Life and Charity Work

Tillman's aunt gave him the nickname "Peanut" when he was a baby. His former teammate Mike Brown helped spread the nickname. Charles and his wife, Jackie, have three daughters and a son.

Tillman is very involved in charity work. He created the Tillman's Cornerstone Foundation. Its goal is to help children who are very sick in Chicago. He started this foundation after his second daughter needed a heart transplant.

He has also worked with United Services Automobile Association (USAA). This work highlights the connection between the NFL and the military. In September 2019, Tillman rowed across Lake Michigan. He did this to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer. He raised almost $200,000.

Tillman with Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta in 2010

NFL Career Stats

Regular Season Stats