Charles Tillman Retires: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Free-agent cornerback Charles Tillman won't be returning for a 14th NFL season after being part of the Carolina Panthers' run to Super Bowl 50 in 2015, as he announced his decision to retire on July 18.

The 35-year-old veteran released a video to notify fans:   

Tillman had a distinguished career that featured two trips to the Pro Bowl, and he spent all but one of his years in the NFL playing for his hometown team, the Chicago Bears. 

The Bears announced Thursday that they expect Tillman to sign a one-day contract to retire with the team, per Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com. The sign-and-retire day will be on Friday, per Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune. 

Chicago selected the Louisiana-Lafayette product 35th overall in the 2003 NFL draft, and he far exceeded that billing over the course of his distinguished career.

With exceptional coverage skills and a knack for stripping the ball, Tillman carved out a unique legacy. He remained productive and was a consistent starter throughout his first decade with the Bears, highlighted by a 2012 campaign in which he forced 10 fumbles and logged three defensive touchdowns.

Unfortunately, injuries began to take their toll on Tillman beginning in 2013. He tore his right triceps muscle and missed eight games that year. He then reinjured the same muscle in 2014 and only appeared in two contests.

That prompted Chicago and Tillman to part ways. He gave it one more go with the Panthers, which turned out to be a great decision, as he was part of a team that went 15-1 in the regular season.

Carolina fell to the Denver Broncos 24-10 in Super Bowl 50, denying Tillman a championship ring. In February 2015, he mentioned the Lombardi Trophy as the chief motivator that kept him going, per USA Today's Tom Pelissero.

"I love the game. I'm not going to stop 'til I'm dead. Obviously, I can't play until I'm like 50 or 60. But I just want to keep going. I'm feeling good. I just have unfinished business. I want a championship," he said. "I think that's my main reason (to keep playing): I'm hungry for a championship."

Since the game's most prestigious hardware eluded him in Carolina's loss to Denver, it stands to reason Tillman still feels a sense of emptiness. 

At least Peanut reached the biggest stage twice in his career—only to lose to a Peyton Manning-quarterbacked team on both occasions (Super Bowl XLI being the other).

For an indication as to how tough and competitive Tillman is, look no further than how he carried himself last season. A partially torn ACL temporarily forced him out of action, but he came back and played on it for multiple games, only to fully tear it in the regular-season finale.

Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott spoke highly of Tillman while reflecting on his injury, per Bryan Strickland of the team's official website: "When you talk about the character of the guys in that room, what more can you say about a guy like Peanut Tillman? He's a guy that I enjoy being around on a day-to-day basis. He's been a real joy to have around and a great example for the young players in the room."

Though Tillman didn't get the chance to finish out his career in the Windy City, the Bears are almost certain to retire his number. He also figures to be in the running for the Hall of Fame someday. 

Tillman's intangible impact on the gridiron made those around him better. Between that and his exemplary conduct on and off the field, there won't be another cornerback quite like Peanut.