Tillman nominated for 'Man of the Year'
Bears cornerback Charles Tillman is Chicago's nominee for the 2007 NFL Walter Payton "Man of the Year" award.
The award is the only NFL honor that recognizes a player's off-the-field community service support and activities as well as his playing excellence.
All 32 finalists, one from each NFL team, will receive a $1,000 contribution toward a charity of his choice, and the overall winner will receive $25,000 to donate to his selected charity. The 2007 winner will be announced prior to Super Bowl XLII in Phoenix, Ariz.
Tillman's Cornerstone Foundation has been designated as the charity that will receive the donation.
The mission of Charles Tillman's Cornerstone Foundation is to provide Greater Chicago area children and youth with educational opportunities and resources needed to excel in the classroom and life.
· Since 2006, the "Pick it Up" program has provided nearly $20,000 in back-to-school items like backpacks, lunch boxes, school supplies and clothing to over 300 Chicago elementary and middle school children.
· In 2007, the Cornerstone Foundation provided $25,000 in Hooked on Phonics products to more than 400 inner-city Chicago children who struggle with reading.
· In 2007, the Cornerstone Foundation launched the "It's cool to be in school" program in Chicago Public Schools, which is an incentive based program that encourages more than 9,000 inner-city high school students to attend school. As part of this program, students who achieve 95% or better attendance for each grade period have the opportunity to earn a visit from Tillman at their school, one-of-a-kind autographed merchandise, and a day with Tillman at Soldier Field where kids will receive lunch, a Charles Tillman jersey, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a Bears' game day.
Tillman also continues to support numerous Bears community programs, with a special emphasis on serving underprivileged children and their families. Several of his recent contributions to the community include:
Since the program's inception in 1970, four Bears have earned the title of NFL "Man of the Year." They include: running back Walter Payton in 1977; safety Dave Duerson in 1987; linebacker Mike Singletary in 1990, and tackle Jim Flanigan (co-winner) in 2000.