Charles Tillman’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award Long Overdue
Here’s a snippet from the Bears’ press release with just some of the things Peanut’s foundation does:
"Tillman continues to have an impact on millions of people in the Chicago area through his Cornerstone Foundation and its many programs. Charles’ Locker provides pediatric hospital patients with access to tablets, laptops, gaming systems and other kinds of entertainment to help pass the time during their hospital stays and annually reaches more than 370,000 children. The Tiana Fund has distributed more than $1 million to 300 families who have been identified by local organizations as at-risk or in-need. The support is provided to families and individuals to strengthen their ability to care for themselves, enhance their stability and security, and improve their quality of life. Tillman and his wife, Jackie, also contribute their time and resources to local, national and international organizations outside of the Cornerstone Foundation. The Tillmans have helped build a school in Cambodia, sponsored children through the Urban Promise program in Camden, New Jersey, and have purchased and donated over 700 tickets to Bears home games since 2008 through the Bears Home Team Hand-Off program. Tillman is also an avid supporter of our military, and has participated in a USO tour to Iraq, volunteered with the USO of Illinois on Thanksgiving to serve meals to local troops, and provided soldiers with tickets to games at Soldier Field during the 2013 season. He was the recipient of the 2012 Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. The award was created to acknowledge the exceptional efforts by members of the NFL community to honor and support U.S. service members and veterans."
I’ve been fortunate enough to attend a couple Cornerstone Foundation events and they are world class. Peanut doesn’t just put his name on the foundation. He’s actively involved recruiting teammates to participate in fundraisers and interacts with fans on a very personal level. I couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient for this great honor. Peanut’s personality, philanthropy and spirit embody that of the award’s namesake, Walter Payton. I only hope the Chicago Bears can find a way to keep Tillman in the Navy and Orange. Tillman is set to become a Free Agent this offseason.
Tillman will be honored on the field before kickoff of Super Bowl XLVIII by Payton’s childer Jarrett and Britney Payton.