Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors award ceremony at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bears and cornerback Charles Tillman parted ways on Thursday with Peanut signing with the Carolina Panthers, ending an era and saddening scores of Bears fans. Tillman, on behalf of his Cornerstone Foundation, took out a full page ad in the Chicago Sun Times to thank the city of Chicago and Chicago Bears fans:
Photo courtesy of Adam Jahns.
Tillman, as classy as ever, really gets it. He says it was an HONOR to wear a Bears uniform. Too many people take that for granted but not Tillman.
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Tillman also acknowledges what Bears fans and the city of Chicago meant to him and his family during their trying times when Tillman’s daughter had to undergo a heart transplant. Tillman used that experience and his tremendous platform to start the Cornerstone Foundation. Here’s their Mission:
"The mission of the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation is to provide opportunities and resources to children and their families who are in need. Since 2005, Charles Tillman’s charitable efforts have impacted the lives of over one million Chicago-area children."
Tillman has done a lot of amazing things on the field for the Chicago Bears, including going out as the franchise leader with nine defensive touchdowns and the leading cornerback in Chicago Bears history with 36 interceptions, only two behind the all time mark set by Gary Fencik. But it’s what Tillman has done off the field that has really made an impact on the city of Chicago.
I’m sure that Tillman will still be active with his Cornerstone Foundation and events in and around Chicago. The best way we Chicago Bears fans can honor Tillman and thank him is to follow his example and get involved and make a difference. Look for some Cornerstone event and get involved to support Peanut’s philanthropic work or do your own charitable works!
As much as Tillman thinks it’s an honor to wear a Bears uniform, it’s been an honor for me to have watched Tillman, one of the Chicago Bears all-time greats.