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Charles Tillman Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated October 22, 2026 • 3 min read

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Quick Info

Date of birth23 February 1981

Age44 Years (as of 2025)

BirthplaceChicago, Illinois, USA

ProfessionNFL Player (cornerback); later FBI agent and NFL analyst

NationalityAmerican

Marital statusMarried

SpouseJackie Tillman

FamilyFour children (son Tysen; daughters Tiana and Talya among them), parents Charles and Peggy Tillman, father served in the U.S. Army

Net worth$10 million (as of 2024)

Charles Tillman Biography

Charles Anthony Tillman, nicknamed "Peanut," is a retired NFL cornerback best known for his long tenure with the Chicago Bears, his signature forced-fumble

Early life and background

Charles Anthony Tillman was born on February 23, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois. The son of parents with military backgrounds, he spent much of his youth moving between different states and overseas due to his family's postings. Tillman finished high school at Copperas Cove High School in Texas, where he played football and basketball and graduated in 1999.

He went on to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, playing cornerback for the Ragin’ Cajuns from 1999 through 2002. While at Louisiana, he completed a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a credential he would later build on after his playing days.

Career

Tillman entered the NFL in 2003 when he was drafted 35th overall by the Chicago Bears. He made his professional debut on September 7, 2003, against the San Francisco 49ers and wore number 33 for most of his Bears career (also listed at times as #31). In his rookie season he made a strong defensive impact and over time became known for his knack for creating turnovers.

A reliable starter, Tillman spent the bulk of his 13-season NFL career with the Chicago Bears (2003–2014) before signing with the Carolina Panthers for the 2015 season. He helped the Bears reach Super Bowl XLI in the 2006 season. In 2007 he signed a six-year contract extension with Chicago that secured his place on the team through subsequent seasons.

Tillman developed a reputation for forcing fumbles, at times producing extraordinary single-game and single-season totals. His best statistical seasons included Pro Bowl selections in 2011 and 2012, a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2012, and leading the NFL in forced fumbles that same year. He recorded a franchise and league mark for forced fumbles in a season and at one point forced four fumbles in a single game. Injuries affected parts of his later career; a triceps injury limited him to eight games in 2013, and while with Carolina in 2015 he tore his ACL before Super Bowl 50.

Off the field, Tillman and his family established the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation in 2005 to support children with chronic illnesses, a mission that deepened after his daughter Tiana underwent a heart transplant in 2008. His community work was recognized in 2013 when he received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

Tillman officially retired from the NFL on July 18, 2016, concluding a 13-season professional career. Following retirement he completed additional training and in 2018 became an FBI agent, reportedly working in areas that have included cybercrime and counterintelligence. He has also worked as an NFL analyst for Fox Sports and remained involved in charitable and community events.

Public profile

Known around the league by the nickname "Peanut," Tillman was honored several times during and after his playing career. He earned All-Sun Belt honors in college, was the franchise’s FD Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2003, and was named among the 100 greatest Bears of all time. He was inducted into the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Hall of Fame in 2012 and became a member of the Chicago Bears’ Ring of Excellence in 2022.

Personal life

Tillman is married to Jackie Tillman. The couple has four children: a son, Tysen, and three daughters, Tiana and Talya among them. His family background includes a father who served as a sergeant in the United States Army. Tillman’s personal interests include traveling and spending time in nature. He is described as a Christian and is of African American heritage.

Physical profile

Tillman is listed at 6 feet 1 inch (186 cm) and approximately 90 kg (200 lbs). Other reported measurements include a 42-inch chest, 34-inch waist and 12-inch biceps. He is described as having black hair and black eyes.

Latest updates

After retiring from play in 2016, Tillman transitioned to public service and media roles. He completed FBI training in 2018 and has held assignments related to cybercrime and counterintelligence. He has also contributed as an NFL analyst for Fox Sports and continues his foundation work supporting children with chronic illnesses.

Editorial Review and Sources

This F4U profile is written from publicly available career and profile information, then reviewed for clarity before publication. If you spot an outdated detail about Charles Tillman, send the page URL and a reliable correction source to f4udotin@gmail.com.

Reference context: StarsUnfolded

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Recent Work

Carolina Panthers (player)

Signed and played during the 2015 season; tore ACL before Super Bowl 50

2015
Retirement from NFL

Announced retirement after a 13-season career

2016
FBI agent

Completed training and began work reportedly in cybercrime and counterintelligence

2018
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Career Highlights

  1. Drafted 35th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2003
  2. Pro Bowl selection in 2011 and 2012
  3. First-Team All-Pro and NFL forced-fumbles leader in 2012
  4. Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2013
  5. Inducted into the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Hall of Fame (2012) and Bears’ Ring of Excellence (2022)
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Net Worth

$10 million (as of 2024)

Figures are editorial estimates based on publicly available reporting and may change as new information emerges.

Reviewed by F4U Editorial Desk

F4U profile pages are prepared from public career information, checked for readability, and updated when reliable correction sources are shared with the editorial team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Charles Tillman born?

Charles Tillman was born on 23 February 1981.

What is Charles Tillman known for?

Charles Tillman is known for nFL Player (cornerback); later FBI agent and NFL analyst.

What is Charles Tillman’s marital status?

Charles Tillman's marital status is listed as Married.

Who is Charles Tillman married to?

Charles Tillman is publicly listed as married to Jackie Tillman.

What is Charles Tillman’s net worth?

Charles Tillman's net worth is commonly listed as $10 million (as of 2024), based on available public profile information.