What began as an ordinary day during the 2008 NFL season for Chicago Bears corner back Charles Tillman soon turned into a life-changing event. During team practice, he received a phone call from the hospital. Tiania Tillman, his then-three-month-old daughter, was taken to the emergency room as her cardiomyopathy worsened.
For the next 97 days, she battled through the heart muscle disease, ultimately leading to a heart transplant. During those traumatic moments, Tillman still displayed plenty of hope.
“I want to see your first soccer game,” Tillman said to his daughter, as he recalled to Chicago Parent’s Liz DeCarlo. “I want to see you get married one day.”
Thankfully, his daughter is currently worry-free as an eight-year-old.
While spending time at the hospital, though, Tillman spoke with numerous parents of sick children, discovering that they brought more comfort than his best friends. After feeling their pain, too, he decided to make a major alteration to the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation, operating since 2005, which originally revolved around confronting educational needs in Chicago.
The organization shifted towards assisting “critically and chronically ill children and their families,” recently hosting a bowling tournament with former Bears players, such as Jets running back Matt Forte, in order to raise money for the kids.
“I’ve gone through the pain and suffering and the late nights in the hospital, and I felt bad as a parent,” Tillman said. “I don’t want other parents to think they’re alone.”
Over the last couple of years, multiple NFL players misrepresented themselves as role models to fans around the world and paid a steep price. For instance, former 49ers defensive tackle Ray McDonald, as stout of a run stopper as anyone in the league from 2008-14, was charged with rape in August 2015. Justifiably, he never stepped onto the field again.
Although many athletes may portray a clean image, consumers of the sport don’t really know what they’re up to once the cameras turns off. Hence, when Tillman announced his retirement on Monday via Twitter, the NFL lost one of its most impactful playmakers, on and off the field.
It’s been real ✌🏿️https://t.co/bM9lLkw9wi
— Charles Tillman (@peanuttillman) July 18, 2016
When the news spread, many who competed against Tillman over his 13-year NFL career flocked to say their goodbyes, including a fairly recognizable quarterback from the NFC North.
Heard you retired @peanuttillman loved competing against you. You're HOF in my book. #respect #forcedFumbles #class pic.twitter.com/8O840NyweA
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) July 19, 2016
Throughout Tillman’s career, the cornerback displayed a one-of-a-kind knack for creating turnovers, forcing 44 forced fumbles and collecting 38 interceptions. If those numbers fail to exhibit his mastery of the position, don’t fret. In the last 13 seasons, 49 players recorded 20-plus interceptions, and 52 players generated at least 15 forced fumbles. Consider Tillman’s previous accomplishments compared to his peers.
Moreover, the 6-foot-2, 198-pounder developed the “Peanut Punch,” in which he would strike the pigskin from an opponent’s palms within the blink of an eye. Charles Woodson, who retired at the conclusion of last season, produced the second-most forced fumbles over that span (23), further enforcing Tillman’s unique accomplishment.
ESPN writer Matt Bowen broke down the various stages of the Chicago native’s go-to move. The technique began with the setup, positioning himself for the tackle at shoulder’s length. Then he inflicted a precise punch near the ribs, likely jarring the football loose.
However, if this method was unsuccessful, Tillman resorted to gripping onto one of the receiver’s shoulders, stripping the prized possession with his free hand. Most importantly, Tillman’s technique ensured he would still be able to make the tackle even if he couldn’t force a fumble.
Charles Tillman says he created the 'Peanut Punch' b/c he had to create something different b/c he couldn't hit like Urlacher, Briggs.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) July 20, 2016
Given his track record, Tillman should be noted as the top cornerback in Bears history, in addition to garnering consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Employing Pro Football Reference’s “average value” (AV) statistic, similar to wins above replacement (WAR) in MLB, Tillman (81) ranks No. 1 on the Bears’ cornerback list and No. 17 overall. Behind him are cornerbacks Bennie McRae (59), Donnell Woolford (53), Terry Schmidt (51) and Mike Richardson (46). For the casual Bears fan, none of those names revive a memory. Tillman’s, on the other hand, carries several.
For one, as a rookie, the two-time Pro Bowler documented one of the single-best plays of his tenure, intercepting Vikings’ quarterback Daunte Culpepper on a pass intended for superstar wideout Randy Moss. Ironically, Tillman will replace Moss on Fox NFL Kickoff, previewing the day’s action with Clarissa Thompson, Colin Cowherd and former Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSgLNeuV_tM
Exemplifying his importance off the turf, Tillman was honored with the 2013 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, showing his commitment to community service. As of February 2014, Tillman’s foundation delivered more than $1 million to families, who were considered “at-risk” or “in need.”
Specifically, the Tiana Fund, connecting with eight different hospitals in Chicago, provides money for families’ bills, gas expenses and other various necessities. This way, they can avoid the struggle of paying for regular expenses on top of the considerable hospital costs.
In addition to his aforementioned charity event, while suiting up for the Carolina Panthers last season, Tillman held a live and silent auction in Charlotte, North Carolina, where some of his teammates even showed up.
Unfortunately, his time in a Panthers’ uniform (and subsequently, his NFL career) was cut short, tearing his right ACL in the season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That resulted in Tillman’s third straight season-ending injury. Nevertheless, he experienced his second trip to the Super Bowl, losing to the Von Miller-led Denver Broncos.
With his consistently excellent play, Peanut Tillman gave fans plenty to appreciate during his magnificent 13-year stretch in a grueling league. Maybe they’ll often reminisce about him while also enjoying his namesake’s salted treat.
