Charles Tillman is probably the greatest cornerback in Chicago Bears history. There have been a lot of good ones but none made as big of an impact on the game of football as the man affectionately called “Peanut.” He retired in 2015 with 38 interceptions and a ridiculous 44 forced fumbles. The most by any defensive back in NFL history and the 8th-most of any player.
This is one of the reasons why many people argue Tillman should get into the Hall of Fame. Sure he didn’t make a lot of Pro Bowls and failed to win a ring, but the guy was great for a long time and literally changed how his position is played. Cornerbacks never focused on forcing fumbles in the decades before him. Now everybody uses his trademark “Peanut Punch” all the time. They say a Hall of Fame player is somebody who must be mentioned when talking about a certain decade of the NFL.
When discussing the 2000s? Tillman’s name came up all the time.
So many memorable moments. Pickpocketing Randy Moss in 2003 as a rookie. Intercepting Tom Brady twice in 2006. Four forced fumbles in a single game in 2012. Just a consistent string of excellence that spanned a long time. Yet what may have helped him stand out above so many others? His work against superstar wide receiver Calvin Johnson. For years the Detroit Lions All-Pro was a terror of defenses everywhere.
Just try to imagine a guy who is 6’5, 237 lbs, and could run with sub-4.4 speed. Tillman had to face that freak of nature twice a year. Yet when one looks back on their battles together? It’s safe to say nobody handled “Megatron” better than Tillman did. This is showcased in an excellent documentary short by FlemLo Raps on YouTube. He covers not only their rivalry and respect for each other but also how good Tillman was during that time.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
What Charles Tillman did isn’t appreciated enough
Johnson came into his own as a superpower that year. He caught 96 passes for 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns. He dominated everybody. In their first matchup, Tillman had few answers as Johnson collected 130 yards and a touchdown on just six targets. The Bears defender didn’t seem to like that too much. So when they met again, Johnson had a tougher night with just 81 yards on 19 targets. Chicago crushed Detroit 37-13 in that game.
On top of that, allowing just one touchdown between 2008 and 2012? That is just insane. It is much easier to understand why Charles Tillman earned Johnson’s respect. A player of that ability isn’t used to being controlled so thoroughly by somebody else. Maybe he can put a good word in for Peanut with the Hall of Fame voters when he goes in himself.
One thing is for sure.
Tillman has certainly surpassed Megatron in his post-career accomplishments. While Johnson has faded from the limelight to enjoy his retirement, Tillman first rowed across all of Lake Michigan for charity and then randomly decided to join the FBI. The man can do anything he sets his mind to. A true Bears legend.