Bears' Tillman Named Walter Payton NFL Man Of The Year
(CBS) – Bears corner back Charles "Peanut" Tillman has been named the 2013 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, an award that honors players who do charitable works.
Tillman, in his 11th year with Chicago, is the fifth Bears player to be honored with the award. Past recipients include "Sweetness" himself, in 1977, Dave Duerson (1987), Mike Singletary (1990) and Jim Flanigan (2000).
The late Walter Payton's children will honor Tillman on-field Sunday before Super Bowl XLVIII, a news release said Saturday.
"I'm grateful to be the recipient of such a prestigious award," Tillman said in a prepared statement. "Walter Payton's legacy continues to be a beacon of service and giving, and I'm just trying to do my small part. I don't think any of the finalists do what they do to get recognition, but we do it because we are passionate about helping others."
Tillman is involved in the Cornerstone Foundation and its many programs, and Charles' Locker provides pediatric hospital patients with access to tablets, laptops, gaming systems and other kinds of entertainment to hospitalized children.
The Tiana Fund has distributed more than $1 million to 300 families who have been identified by local organizations as at-risk or in-need.
As winner, Tillman will receive a statue, and the charity of his choice will receive a $20,000 donation in his name.