The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with CB Charles Tillman on a one-year contract.
“Charles is one of the NFL’s great players and a true leader on and off the field and we’re happy he will be staying in Chicago,” Bears General Manager Phil Emery said. “He remains the best in our game at forcing turnovers and always has brought a tough, physical presence to our secondary. Charles also has a special connection to the people and community across Chicago and we’re excited for that to continue.”
The two-time Pro Bowler (2011 and 2012 seasons) and 2013 Walter Payton Man of the Year is third in team history with 36 interceptions and is the franchise leader in defensive return touchdowns (nine), interception return touchdowns (eight) and interception return yards (675).
Since joining the NFL in 2003, Tillman is tied for fifth in interceptions, fifth in interception return yards and tied for second in interception return touchdowns while starting 150-of-154 games played.
One of the best in the NFL at creating takeaways, Tillman’s 42 forced fumbles are second most in the league since he joined the Bears as a second round pick (35th overall) in 2003 and most among cornerbacks. He is the only player during that time with 30-plus interceptions and 30-plus forced fumbles. Tillman has ranked in the Top 10 in forced fumbles in six of the last nine seasons, including second in 2009 (six) and first in 2012 (10).
Tillman has added 944 tackles, fifth most in franchise history since the statistic was first officially recorded in 1971. His 132 pass break-ups are fifth in the NFL since 2003.
In eight games played during the 2013 season, Tillman had 52.5 tackles – including 2.5 tackles for losses, three interceptions, four pass break-ups and three forced fumbles.
He is a two-time Brian Piccolo Award winner (2003 and 2008) and 2008 Ed Block Courage Award recipient.
CHARLES TILLMAN’S CAREER NFL STATISTICS
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES
Year Team G-GS Total Solo Asst Sacks INT Yds Lg TD PD FF FR
2003 Chicago 16-13 81 74 7 1 4 27 32 0 12 2 0
2004 Chicago 8-7 39 32 7 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 1
2005 Chicago 15-15 96 85 11 1 5 172 95 1 16 4 1
2006 Chicago 14-14 81 69 12 0 5 32 13 0 14 1 1
2007 Chicago 15-15 76 67 9 0 3 24 20 0 13 4 0
2008 Chicago 15-15 93 81 12 0 3 52 26t 1 17 4 0
2009 Chicago 15-15 78 65 13 0 2 35 21t 1 7 6 1
2010 Chicago 16-16 82 71 11 0 5 127 56 0 14 3 2
2011 Chicago 16-16 99 82 17 1 3 66 44t 2 12 4 2
2012 Chicago 16-16 87 75 12 0 3 71 36t 3 16 10 2
2013 Chicago 8-8 42 33 9 0 3 69 41 0 6 3 0
Totals G-GS Total Solo Asst Sacks INT Yds Lg TD PD FF FR
NFL Career 154-150 854 734 120 3 36 675 95 8 132 42 10
ADDITIONAL STATS: Touchdowns – 9: 25-yard INT return at DAL (10/11/12); 36-yard INT return at JAX (10/17/12); 10-yard INT return at ARI (12/23/12); 22-yard INT return at DET (10/30/05); 40-yard fumble return at ARZ (10/16/06); 26-yard INT return at DET (10/5/08); 21-yard INT return vs. CLE (11/1/09); 44-yard INT return vs. DET (11/13/11); 22-yard INT return at MIN (1/1/12).
Blocked Punts – 2: 1 vs. DEN (11/25/07), 1 vs. GB (12/30/07).
