Charles Peanut Tillman has been nothing but class since being drafted into the NFL 12 seasons ago.Quite possibly the best cornerback in team history, Tillman has spent the better part of his career raising the bar of what it means to be a high-character guy, both on and off the field.When he wasnt busy intercepting 36 passes and forcing 42 fumbles, he spent his time giving back to the community, through the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation, created to provide opportunities and resources to children or their families who are in need.With the support of Charles and his wife Jackie, who serves as the foundations vice president, Tillmans foundation has provided over $1 million to over 300 families who have been identified as those in need since 2005. Hes spent time working to build a school in Cambodia, while also participating in multiple USO events. Thats only the start of Tillmans resume of goodness.All of the off-the-field work Tillman has done over the years is what won him the 2014 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, one of the most prestigious honors in the NFL.I believe we all have a responsibility to lend a helping hand in the service of others in times of need, Tillman said on the night of the ceremony. Because of a donor, my daughter Tiana is alive, and shes healthy and shes thriving. And I have strength and joy from knowing that.Tillmans daughter, Tiana, was just an infant when she was diagnosed with a rare heart disorder, but an organ transplant saved her lifean event that Tillman says changed him forever.Her second chance at life has given me new meaning in life, he says.Tillman is a father of four children, Talya, Tiana, Tysen and Tessa, whom he lovingly refers to as monsters, and its those four monsters who could be deciding whether the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback returns to football in 2015.Ive asked my kids if they want me to retire, and I dont think they want me to. Tillman told Bleacher Report on Thursday, appearing on behalf of Courtyard Camera, a hidden camera series that surprises unsuspecting guests with fun visits from NFL stars.Tillman only signed a one-year contract to return to the Bears after the 2013 season, so hes about to hit the open market once again. Whether he plays in Chicago or somewhere else, Tillman says he has the support of his family:"My oldest is like, No, I dont want you to retire," he said. "I asked my kids what if I have to move to another team' Theyre like 'OK, lets go to another team.' My kids are so ready to go to another team, another town, another city. My wife and I grew up military brats, so wed move around all the time. Its no thing for her and I. But my kids, theyve just been in one spot their whole life. My kids are so ready to move somewhere."Ready or not, theres still one lingering issue Tillman needs to overcome before even considering next season. In the Bears Week 2 win over the San Francisco 49ers, Tillman suffered the same triceps injury that prematurely ended his season in 2013.Tillman has been a beacon of consistency throughout his 12-year career, missing only six games in the eight seasons before suffering the first triceps injury. Despite the mental toll back-to-back season-ending injuries could have taken on Tillman, hes back at work trying to get healthy.I feel good. I feel good. In the beginning, rehab is hard, just getting those movements down.I got the range of motion. ... Im just trying to really get the triceps as strong as I can right now. But its all going fairly well. I feel really good with how Im progressing.Now its entirely possible that neither Tillman nor the Bears organization will be interested in re-upping for the 2015 season but, for Tillman, any future decision on returning to Chicago will have zero to do with the teams infamously unforgettable season that's currently wrapping up.My desire to return to football is my love for the game, my love for being in the locker room, my love for running out of the tunnel and looking up and seeing fans in the 400-level section cheering their brains off, yelling, cheering for you, cheering for the Bears," Tillman said. "Thats what I love, thats what I get excited about.If Tillman doesnt return to the field, he says there are many options for his post-football career, one of which could entail directing. This holiday season, Tillman partnered with Courtyard to surprise guests and spread some cheer at a Courtyard by Marriott in Chicago, IL.Acting like a high-maintenance director, Tillman tasked unsuspecting guests with singing the tune of Jingle Bells, wearing clown-like makeup with props in tow. In the end, Tillman would reveal himself as the fun-loving guy football fans have come to know.We just tried to have a lot of fun with it, Tillman said of the experience. Some have fun. Some look at me like Im crazy, like Im a really serious director. ... I was getting peoples names wrong. I was getting them wrong purposefully to tick them off. ... It was a blast.Judging by the tone of Tillmans voice, he really seemed to get a kick out of the harmless pranks he pulled on some of the Courtyard guests, even saying he would push them to the level just before they blew. He sounded like a coach who pushed his players to their max before reeling them back in, so maybe some sort of coaching will be in his future.But until then, Tillman seems more than content making forced fumbles, getting interceptions and getting those big hits, playing what he calls a kids game.Twelve years into my career, I still get excited about that. I live for game day. I hate practices. I hate the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. But when Sunday comes, man, thats the best day of the week.
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