Former Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers cornerback, Charles “Peanut” Tillman has signed with CAA as he embarks on his broadcasting career, following his retirement this summer.
The Chicago-native was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft (35th Overall) out of Louisiana Lafayette by his hometown team – the Chicago Bears. He spent his first 12 seasons with the Bears before signing a free agent deal with the Carolina Panthers before last season. After signing a one-day contract with the Bears, he announced his retirement with a video, dubbed “Peanut Punch,” as a homage to his ability to force fumbles by stripping or “punching” the ball away from players, which can be seen here.
Widely regarded as a fan favorite in Chicago, Tillman finished his NFL career with 168 games played 912 tackles (774 solo), 44 forced fumbles and 38 interceptions. He will begin his broadcasting career with FOX Sports on their weekly pregame show, “FOX NFL Kickoff,” alongside Charissa Thompson, Colin Cowherd and Dave Wannstedt. The show airs Sunday mornings during the NFL season at 10 AM EST.
“I am really looking forward to getting right back into the swing of things with Fox Sports,” Tillman told the Chicago Tribune. “My family and I are very excited about this next chapter in my life.”
He is no stranger to the media industry, as he made regular appearances on a variety of outlets even during his playing days with the Bears.
CAA negotiated his deal with the network, and he is represented a team of agents led by Evan Dick and Matt Kramer.