In a surprising career move, former NFL star Charles Tillman training with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.
The former Chicago Bears cornerback retired from the NFL in 2016, playing with the Carolina Panthers in 2015.
Special Agent Garrett Croon is the spokesman for the FBI’s Chicago Bureau and refused to comment to The Tribune on Tillman’s reported training, saying the FBI doesn’t, “speak about personnel matters.”
In addition to “multiple individuals” telling The Tribune, former Bears’ director of college scouting Greg Gabriel tweeted supporting the rumors.
So glad to hear @peanuttillman is in training to become an FBI agent. The FBI couldn't find a better perspective agent. Congrats to peanut
— Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball) September 19, 2017
While Tillman was a star on the field, his past hints at his interest in nabbing criminals.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Louisiana- Lafayette, and his father was a sergeant in the Army.
In an interview in July 2016 for Make It Better magazine, Tillman commented on his passion for the military.
“So I’m all about out military and supporting our men and women in uniform. [I’m also interested in] helping police officers and law enforcement, I’m big into that. A lot of my friends are law enforcement officers, and [I like to] support them as well.”
So while the FBI won’t officially comment on Tillman’s status, the rumors carry weight based on Tillman’s clear passion for law and order.
-The Horn editorial team