Charles Tillman is a former American football cornerback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. He was born on February 23, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois, and attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he played college football.
Tillman was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player on the Bears' defense, known for his physicality, ball skills, and ability to force turnovers. He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team in his first season and went on to earn two Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro nod during his career.
One of Tillman's signature moves was the "Peanut Punch," a technique he developed to strip the ball from opposing players. He would punch at the ball with his fist, aiming to dislodge it from the ball carrier's grasp. This move became so well-known that Tillman trademarked the phrase "Peanut Punch" and used it to raise money for his charitable foundation.
Tillman played for the Bears for 12 seasons before signing with the Carolina Panthers in 2015. He played in 12 games for the Panthers that season before suffering a season-ending injury. He announced his retirement from the NFL in 2016.
Off the field, Tillman was known for his philanthropy and community service. He founded the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation in 2005, which provides resources and opportunities to critically and chronically ill children and their families. Tillman was also a finalist for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2013 and 2014, which recognizes players for their excellence on and off the field.
In addition to his football career and charitable work, Tillman has also pursued other interests. He appeared on the reality TV show "Dancing with the Stars" in 2014 and has worked as a TV analyst for Fox Sports and ESPN.
Overall, Charles Tillman had a successful and impactful career in the NFL, earning recognition for his skills on the field and his contributions to his community off the field. His legacy as a player and a humanitarian will continue to inspire others for years to come.
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