Charles Tillman has a case for being the greatest defensive back in Chicago Bears history. His 36 interceptions rank 3rd behind only Gary Fencik (38) and Richie Petitbon (37). Yet everybody knows that isn’t where the cornerback made himself famous. It was via forced fumbles. Tillman had a staggering 42 of them in his Bears career. He became so proficient at it that the NFL recognized an actual term for them. The Peanut Punch.
It was so influential that defensive backs began adopting the style and are using it to this day. Tillman literally changed how the game of football is played. One of several reasons he belongs in the Hall of Fame. Yet while many people have talked about the Peanut Punch over the years, what about the man himself? Does he have any favorites? Tillman appeared on Good Morning Football to talk about the origins of the punch, from his very first one to the most important.
It was then Kyle Brandt asked him to reveal his personal favorite. This was awesome.
That is ridiculous. Slipping a block, contorting his body, and still getting enough force and accuracy behind the punch to knock the ball out. This should help remind people how freaky of an athlete Charles Tillman was. Sure he wasn’t the fastest corner in history but his quickness, strength, and hand-eye coordination were truly special. It didn’t matter what opponents did. The moment they got careless with the ball, he was knocking it out.
Nobody could escape him. Backups or Hall of Famers. Everybody felt the sting of the Peanut Punch. Reliving moments like that makes one wish we could see Tillman back in a Bears jersey again. It was that much fun watching him play. Hopefully, there will be somebody like him in Chicago again, but that seems unlikely. Tillman is one of a kind.
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