Peanut Tillman shares message for Bears’ new minicamp rookies originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Charles “Peanut” Tillman became a kind of accessory for Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, while Eberflus introduces the new newcomers to Halas Hall. On Thursday night, the former Bears cornerback addressed the Bears’ rookie class as they prepared for their first pro minicamp.
“He did an incredible job,” Eberflus said. “He just talked about the mentality of a champion, of being able to have a long career. It’s all about getting the job done and being where your feet are.”
Eberflus has invited Tillman to speak at the start of rookie minicamp every year since taking over as Bears head coach in 2022. Eberflus strives to connect the Bears’ storied past to their future and always works to instill his HITS program in his players . It would be difficult to find a man better suited for this job than Tillman.
HITS stands for “hustle”, “intensity”, “getting the ball out and looking after the ball” and playing “intelligent and situational” football. Tillman was a model for those standards throughout his 12 seasons in Chicago. His combination of 38 interceptions, 44 forced fumbles and nine defensive touchdowns is unmatched in NFL history.
Tillman’s message to rookies includes advice on the preparation, passion and perseverance needed to succeed in the NFL. It’s one thing to hear that message from a coach, but it sounds a little different when it comes from a player with a career as impressive as Tillman’s.
With rookie minicamp in the rearview mirror, the Bears will regroup for their first set of OTAs on May 20, 21 and 23.
