Tillman continued to thrive and hone his patented “Peanut Punch” to force fumbles and take the ball away from opponents. What’s most impressive is that opponents know that it’s coming and they still can’t seem to stop it. In 2012, Tillman forced 10 fumbles! That’s unheard of for a cornerback. Tillman ranks second on the Bears with 36 interceptions and trails Gary Fencik by only two interceptions for the top spot. To go along with those interceptions, he has 42 forced fumbles which ranks tops on the Bears.
Feb 1, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Charles Tillman receives the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award at the 3rd NFL Honors at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Besides his tremendous work on the field, Tillman’s work off the field is just as impressive. 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 cardiomyopathy. Tillman was recognized as the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2013. Additionally, he is a three time Brian Piccolo Award winner in 2003, 2008 and 2013, an Ed Block Courage Award winner in 2009 and the Salute to Service Award in 2012.
Tillman is the best cornerback in Chicago Bears history. Savor every moment you get to watch him play. He signed a one-year deal this offseason, so 2014 could be his last in a Bears uniform.
The dog days of the offseason are finally behind us now that training camp is underway, just in time for our countdown of the Top 100 Chicago Bears of all time to really heat up. As we get closer to the season opener, we get closer to naming the #1 Chicago Bear of all time.