Bears rookies receive legendary surprise to kick off minicamp
The Chicago Bears kicked off rookie camp in a major way on Thursday. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus revealed that the Bears rookie class was welcomed into their first offseason program by one of the franchise’s most legendary players – Charles “Peanut” Tillman. Tillman was one of the most iconic defensive backs in Chicago’s rich […]
The Chicago Bears kicked off rookie camp in a major way on Thursday.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus revealed that the Bears rookie class was welcomed into their first offseason program by one of the franchise’s most legendary players – Charles “Peanut” Tillman.
Tillman was one of the most iconic defensive backs in Chicago’s rich football history. After being drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft, Tillman spent 12 seasons with the team.
In his press conference on Friday, Eberflus couldn’t say enough great things about Tillman.
“What a great message, what a great story, what a great Bears,” Eberflus said on the impact Tillman has had on the organization.
Tillman holds the Bears franchise record for defensive touchdown returns with nine. His 36 career interceptions all rank first among Bears cornerbacks. His fames Peanut Punch led to 42 forced fumbles, including an NFL-best 10 which came in his All-Pro season in 2012.
Hopefully Tillman didn’t slip out before imparting some wisdom into some of the Bears young defenders, namely draft picks Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. Overall, this was a fantastic idea executed by the Bears organization to infuse a legend of the past with a pivotal group of rookies the team will rely upon for years to come.
