Cornerback Charles Tillman Retires At Age35

Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Tillman announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 35 on Monday.

Tillman, a 13-year veteran in the league, has been plagued with injuries over the past three seasons, missing a total of 26 games during that span.

The former second-round pick made a great career out of something smallish — a frame of 6-foot that seemed to be undersized for him to make an impact in the league.

In announcing his retirement, Tillman had this to share.

“I’ve had 13 amazing years on two great teams and I’m just thankful for the love and support that I got from my teammates, the fans and my coaches,” Tillman said, via the Bears official website. “I’m thankful to everyone who has helped me get to where I am right now because I definitely didn’t do it by myself.”

Tillman spent his first 12 seasons in the NFL with the Bears, earning two Pro Bowl selections and All Pro honors once during that span.

“Peanut,” as he is best known, had his best statistical season back in 2012 when he recorded 86 tackles, 16 passes defended, 10 forced fumbles, three interceptions and three defensive touchdowns.

During the height of his career, Tillman was considered one of the top all-around defensive backs in the game.

And while he did finish his career playing one season for the Carolina Panthers, Tillman will always be considered a Bear. His announcement on the team’s website made that perfectly clear on Monday.