Charles Tillman Not Planning Retirement

Even after consecutive seasons cut short by injuries as he enters free agency, Bears cornerback Charles Tillman has no interest in walking away now, Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports writes. Tillman, who turns 34 next week, says that’s he’s not going to “stop [playing] ’til I’m dead.”

Tillman tore the triceps tendon in his right arm midway through the 2013 season and again in the second game of 2014. Re-signed to a one-year, $3.25MM contract last year, Tillman says he’s had only a “hi and bye” interaction with new Bears GM Ryan Pace and coach John Fox. Considering his limited talks with Chicago, it’s not immediately clear if the interest in a reunion is mutual.

That’s the business,” Tillman said. “I’m trying to feed my kids. So, whatever team’s going to help me pay my bills and help me feed my family – let’s go.”

One NFL executive, speaking on condition of anonymity for competitive reasons, said Tillman can still play in the right scheme but will have to sign an incentive-laden, “prove it” type of deal because of his age and recent medical history. Tillman, for his part, seemed to indicate that he’d be alright with that sort of deal.

Tillman, who is hungry to win a ring, says that he’ll be looking to join a winner this offseason. When asked recently, Tillman wouldn’t rule out the possibility of jumping ship to the rival Lions.

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