Charles Tillman Is 'Hungry For A Championship'
(CBS) Even with 12 highly productive seasons under his belt, veteran cornerback Charles Tillman wants more.
"I love the game. I'm not going to stop 'til I'm dead," Tillman told Tom Pellisero of USA TODAY Sports recently. "Obviously, I can't play until I'm like 50 or 60. But I just want to keep going. I'm feeling good. I just have unfinished business. I want a championship. I think that's my main reason (to keep playing): I'm hungry for a championship."
Tillman has compiled an impressive resume both on and off the field in Chicago, earning both All Pro honors in 2012 and the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2013. His "Peanut Punch" has resulted in 42 forced fumbles, the most in NFL history by a defensive back.
Tillman has suffered season-ending triceps injuries in back-to-back years. In total, he's played only 20 games in the past two seasons, after playing in 146 (of 160) over the first 10 seasons of his career. It's completely fair to wonder just how much effective football Tillman has left in his body.
As such, the medical evaluation becomes the most critical component for any team interested in signing the soon-to-be 34-year old unrestricted free agent.
New Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's scheme asks cornerbacks to play more press coverage, something Tillman has done, however, his skill set is best suited for a zone-based defense. Wherever Tillman ends up, it will be a prove it situation for both the team and Tillman.