Woolford rooting for Tillman to break INT record
They're tied at 37 for Bears CB mark, and he has high praise for 1 of his successors
Fred Mitchell
6:21 p.m. CST, November 23, 2012
Charles Tillman shares the Bears cornerback record for most career interceptions with Donnell Woolford, who snatched 32 from 1989-96.
When the Vikings visit the Bears Sunday at Soldier Field, Woolford says he will be rooting for Tillman to break the mark.
"It has been dusty for awhile," Woolford said. "Besides, it gives people a chance to talk about my name a little bit. That's all good, so I want him to break the record."
It turns out Tillman and Woolford have more in common than interceptions. Both of their fathers had long military careers. And both believe in the importance of giving back to the community through charitable foundations and volunteer initiatives.
"I am involved in several non-profits and I have my own charity that supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of America," Woolford said. "I grew up in a strict family; my dad was a military officer and Boys and Girls Clubs kept me off the streets."
Woolford looked forward to being one of the celebrities serving meals to the homeless and unemployed in Chicago on behalf of comedian Tom Dreesen and the Laugh Factory on Thanksgiving Day.
"(Tillman is) doing some tremendous things in the community with his (Cornerstone) foundation," Woolford said. "He is doing some good work on the football field and off. So I am pulling for him and hoping he stays healthy and the Bears go to the Super Bowl."
Former safety Gary Fencik owns the Bears overall interception record with 38, a mark within Tillman's reach. Another great safety, Richie Petitbon, had 37 interceptions for the Bears and 48 overall in his NFL career.
Woolford, the 11th pick of the 1989 NFL draft out of Clemson and an All-Pro in 1993, also had four interceptions with the Steelers in '97, but says his NFL career still doesn't feel complete.
"I am trying to get back into the (NFL), but not to play," he said. "I am trying for coaching or a front-office position. I am circulating my resume. I don't have a Super Bowl … I need a ring. If you can't get one (as a player), you have to get it another way. That would complete my life."
Tillman is renowned for punching the ball out of the hands of a receiver or ball carrier to create fumbles. He has seven forced this season and 34 for his career.
"We were taught that when we were playing under (Mike) Ditka and (Dave) Wannstedt," Woolford, 46, said. "Don't just settle for a tackle, try to strip the ball and get it back for our offense.
"(Tillman) is lengthy, he has long arms. He uses his tools pretty well. He catches them off guard and he pops the ball out. I never have seen anyone do it as well as he does."
Tillman and Woolford also know how it feels to get routed by the 49ers in San Francisco, where the Bears have not won since 1985. The Bears are coming off an embarrassing 32-7 Monday night loss at Candlestick Park.
"When Wannstedt was the coach, we played them in the playoffs," Woolford said of the 44-15 NFC divisional loss on Jan. 7, 1995. "It was loud. … Jerry Rice and those guys put a whupping on us."
Woolford also was on the Bears team that lost 52-14 to the Niners on Monday night, Dec. 23, 1991.
"It's tough," he said. "The altitude is a little different and the fans are wound up. It's a very difficult place to play."
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