Charles Tillman, who played 13 seasons in the NFL, is reportedly in training to become an FBI agent.
According to ESPN, multiple sources confirmed Tillman is currently in Quantico, Virginia, at the FBI Training Academy. Tillman, who is 36, has a criminal justice degree from Louisiana-Lafayette and falls just inside the 23-37 age bracket for becoming an agent.
ESPN further reported Tillman sometimes observed and worked with law enforcement during his offseasons, and that his father was a sergeant in the Army.
Tillman spent 12 of his 13 NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears where he was known as “Peanut.” He was considered one of the best defensive backs in Bears history because of his talent for stripping the ball away from offensive players, known as the “Peanut Punch.” Tillman forced 44 fumbles during his career, almost twice as many as the next closest defensive back during that time.
His last NFL season was spent with the Carolina Panthers, who went 15-1 and made a Super Bowl appearance that year. He signed a symbolic one-day contract with the Bears the following year so he could retire with the team.
Tillman spent his first year of retirement as a sports analyst and commentator on the “Fox NFL Kickoff” show last year, but hasn’t returned this season.
Former Bears coach Dave Wannstedt, who was aware of Tillman’s FBI pursuits, called him "first-class."
"What a guy. Charles Tillman is as good as they come and I had a great time working with him," Wannstedt said, the Chicago Tribune reported.
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