Tillman: New WR Marshall's presence aids defense

Tillman: New WR Marshall's presence aids defense
By Fred Mitchell
Tribune Reporter

2:18 p.m. CDT, July 14, 2012

The Chicago Bears added an essential offensive weapon when they traded for Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall, and gave the defense a boost at the same time.

The 6-foot, 4, 230-pound Marshall figures to enhance not only the Bears offense, but also their defense that has to go up against him in practice on a routine basis.

“I think it will help out a lot,” said Bears Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Tillman, who will have to defend against the likes of 6-5, 235-pound Calvin Johnson of Detroit twice this season.

“I think (Marshall) makes me better. He pushes me; he pushes our entire defense with his big style, big size…his style of play, his physical-ness," TIllman said. "So, yeah, he definitely pushes us and he makes our defense a lot better; he makes our defensive backfield a lot better.”

Tillman, who hosted his annual TendHER Heart Luncheon Saturday for deserving mothers at the Hilton-Chicago, feels the window of opportunity remains wide open for the Bears, despite aging defensive veterans such as Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs and himself, who remain Pro Bowl performers.

“I think it closes when you stop producing,” Tillman said. “So far we have been able to produce and if it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it.”

While the Packers and Bears are atop most 2012 preseason predictions in the NFC North, Tillman has great respect for the entire division.

“I like our division,” Tillman said. “I think the Lions are coming around. I think a couple of years ago people would talk about the NFC North and say it was the easiest division. It was the weakest division, the sorriest division. But now the other teams are stepping up and they are making plays and winning games. So it’s great.”

Yet Tillman has greater faith in his Bears team to rebound from last season’s 8-8 disappointment.

“I like our team. I like what we are able to do and I haven’t been this excited in a long time. I am looking forward to it,” he said. Even as a seasoned veteran,Tillman is eagerly anticipating the start of training camp in Bourbonnais on July 25.

“Football is all I know. It’s all I’ve been doing. I am going into my 10th year, my 10th training camp. I am used to it. It’s nothing new,” he said.

Tillman also has learned how to give back to others through his foundation (www.charlestillman.org<http://www.charlestillman.org>). He hosts the annual luncheons for mothers of chronically and critically ill children.

“My legacy when I am done playing this game…I just want to be remembered for doing the right thing. Being a man of God, being a man of character, doing the right thing always when no one’s looking. And just helping those out in need. I have a platform and I am just trying to use that to my best potential, to the best of my ability to help those (people), because I am fortunate, I am blessed. I am just trying to help out”

fmitchell@tribune.com

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...0,977947.story