Former Bears CB Charles ‘Peanut’ Tillman retires

Longtime Bears cornerback Charles Tillman retired Monday.

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Longtime Chicago Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman announced his retirement Monday.

Tillman played in 12 games for the Carolina Panthers last season, his only year with an NFL team other than Chicago. Tillman recorded 55 tackles and two interceptions for the Panthers, but missed their Super Bowl run after tearing his ACL.

Tillman will mostly be remembered for his tenure in the Windy City, where he played from 2003–2014. Tillman’s last two years with the Bears were marred by injury, but for the majority of his time in Chicago, Tillman was a stalwart of a defense that often ranked near the top of the league.

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In addition to his zone coverage skills and 35 interceptions, Tillman forced a remarkable 42 fumbles with the Bears, many as a result of his patented “Peanut punch” technique. 

Tillman retires having played 168 games, recording 44 fumbles and 38 interceptions. In his career, Tillman was a two-time Pro Bowler, a Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner, and First team All-Pro in 2012.