The Chicago Bears hosted a special guest to kick off rookie minicamp on Friday. Former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman — known for his signature “Peanut Punch” — met with Chicago’s new crop of rookies.
Unlike the previous regime, head coach Matt Eberflus wants Bears alumni to be involved with the current team. He recently revealed on an episode of Peter King’s podcast that he’d reached out to around 30 to 35 Bears alumns. Tillman was someone he mentioned specifically.
According to Eberflus, Tillman’s message to the rookies was about the significance of being a member of the Bears and what it means to everyone.
“To bring those guys back and to relay that message, that foundational core that those guys put together for this franchise is second to none,” Eberflus said. “Those guys, our new players, young players have to recognize that.
“The message Tillman had was outstanding the other day. Just about being a pro, being a Chicago Bear, and what that means to him and what it means to the fans and what it means to the city. To me, you can’t have enough of that.”
If Eberflus has anything to say about it, there will be other former players addressing the team.
“I told Charles, pass the word around,” he said. “Talk to the guys. As you know, I texted a bunch of guys when I got the job. I’ve talked to several of them. They’re all welcome to come in. We would love to see them. And we’re excited about having guys like that around in the future.”