Written by Scott Gleeson at USAToday.com
Former NFL cornerback Charles Tillman is training to join the FBI, according to multiple reports. The Chicago Tribune was first to report on Tillman.
According to ESPN, Tillman is at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Tillman, who retired from the league last summer after signing a ceremonial one-day contract with the Bears — the team that drafted him in 2003 and where he played 12 of his 13 seasons — was best known for his ability to rip the ball loose from running backs, receivers and quarterbacks. His “Peanut Punch” helped force 44 fumbles in his career. The two-time Pro Bowler helped the Carolina Panthers go 15-1 and make a Super Bowl appearance in 2015.
Tillman graduated from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and his father served in the military.
The FBI requires special agents to be younger than 37 at the time of appointment. Tillman, 36, just makes the cut. It’s unclear what type of role he’s pursuing.
FBI special agent Garrett Croon, a spokesman for the Chicago bureau, told the Tribune that the bureau doesn’t “speak about personnel matters” publicly.
Former Bears coach Dave Wannstedt, who worked with Tillman at Fox Sports last season, confirmed Tillman’s pursuit of joining the FBI to the Tribune.
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