University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Cajuns To Retire Tillman's Jersey At Halftime Of App State Game
11/19/2014 6:00:00 AM | Football
Tillman's No. 5 to be eighth jersey retired in school history
LAFAYETTE – After a stellar career in which he was named an All-American, Charles "Peanut" Tillman will become the eighth player in Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football history to have his number retired when he is honored during halftime of Saturday's Sun Belt Conference game against Appalachian State.
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Tillman, who wore No. 5 when he played for the Ragin' Cajuns from 1999-2002, will join a list of retired jerseys that includes former greats Brian Mitchell (1), Damon Mason (9), Jake Delhomme (12), Brandon Stokley (14), Glenn LaFleur (28), Tyrell Fenroy (32) and Orlando Thomas (42). Tillman was inducted into the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Hall of Fame in 2012.
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A former wide receiver at Copperas Cove (Texas) High School, Tillman was a four-year starter at cornerback and led the Ragin' Cajuns in interceptions in his final three seasons. Tillman finished his career at Louisiana ranked fifth in school history in interceptions (12) with his 284 career tackles ranking second all-time among defensive backs.
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Tillman led the Ragin' Cajuns with six interceptions in 2000 and added four in 2001, becoming the first player in Ragin' Cajuns history to be named to the All-Sun Belt Conference team. In his final season in 2002, Tillman earned AP All-America honorable mention honors and was a first team All-Sun Belt pick. He posted a career-high 100 tackles with two interceptions on the season, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
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After completing his Ragin' Cajuns career, Tillman was drafted in the second round (the No. 35 overall selection) by the Chicago Bears, where he has spent his entire 12-year NFL career. He earned back-to-back Pro Bowl nods in 2011 and 2012 and was named the 2013 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year.
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Tillman ranks third in franchise history with 36 interceptions, is first in interception return yards (675) and holds team records for defensive touchdowns (9) and interception returns for TDs (8). He has started 150-of-154 career games played, recording 944 tackles, 36 interceptions, 113 pass breakups, 42 forced fumbles, 3.0 sacks, and eight fumble recoveries. His 42 forced fumbles since 2003 are the most in the NFL.
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Tillman, who wore No. 5 when he played for the Ragin' Cajuns from 1999-2002, will join a list of retired jerseys that includes former greats Brian Mitchell (1), Damon Mason (9), Jake Delhomme (12), Brandon Stokley (14), Glenn LaFleur (28), Tyrell Fenroy (32) and Orlando Thomas (42). Tillman was inducted into the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Hall of Fame in 2012.
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A former wide receiver at Copperas Cove (Texas) High School, Tillman was a four-year starter at cornerback and led the Ragin' Cajuns in interceptions in his final three seasons. Tillman finished his career at Louisiana ranked fifth in school history in interceptions (12) with his 284 career tackles ranking second all-time among defensive backs.
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Tillman led the Ragin' Cajuns with six interceptions in 2000 and added four in 2001, becoming the first player in Ragin' Cajuns history to be named to the All-Sun Belt Conference team. In his final season in 2002, Tillman earned AP All-America honorable mention honors and was a first team All-Sun Belt pick. He posted a career-high 100 tackles with two interceptions on the season, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
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After completing his Ragin' Cajuns career, Tillman was drafted in the second round (the No. 35 overall selection) by the Chicago Bears, where he has spent his entire 12-year NFL career. He earned back-to-back Pro Bowl nods in 2011 and 2012 and was named the 2013 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year.
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Tillman ranks third in franchise history with 36 interceptions, is first in interception return yards (675) and holds team records for defensive touchdowns (9) and interception returns for TDs (8). He has started 150-of-154 career games played, recording 944 tackles, 36 interceptions, 113 pass breakups, 42 forced fumbles, 3.0 sacks, and eight fumble recoveries. His 42 forced fumbles since 2003 are the most in the NFL.
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