Former Bears CB Charles Tillman in training to become FBI agent

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The former Chicago Bears cornerback recently began training to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation, multiple individuals told the Tribune, including a high-ranking law enforcement source who is not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Tillman, 36, retired from the NFL last summer and signed a ceremonial one-day contract with the Bears to do so on July 22, 2016. He played 12 of his 13 seasons for the organization and helped the Panthers to a 15-1 record and appearance in Super Bowl 50 after the 2015 season.

He was renowned for his ability to jar the ball loose from offensive players and forced 44 fumbles during his career, nearly twice as many as the next closest defensive back during his time in the league. Tillman was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was named the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2013 for his philanthropic efforts. He is considered one of the best cornerbacks in Bears history.

FBI guidelines mandate prospective candidates for hiring as a special agent must be at least 23 years old but younger than 37 at the time of appointment. Tillman turns 37 on Feb. 23.

"We don't speak about personnel matters," special agent Garrett Croon, a spokesman for the Chicago bureau, told the Tribune.

Tillman earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette before the Bears drafted him in the second round in 2003. He grew up in a military family — his father, Donald Tillman Jr., was a sergeant in the Army — and attended 11 schools from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Tillman not only supports children's charities through his Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation, he also has long been active in military endeavors. In 2010, he spent eight days on a USO tour visit with troops in Iraq and Kuwait. He was selected as the winner of the NFL's Salute to Service award in 2012.

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