New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Chicago Bears defensive back Charles Tillman was honored as the 2013 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year on Saturday. The award recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence.
Tillman missed the final seven games of the season due to a torn triceps muscle.
He's the fifth Bears player to win the award joining Payton (1977), Dave Duerson (1987), Mike Singletary (1990) and Jim Flanigan (2000).
Tillman, who has a Bears record with nine career defensive touchdowns, has raised more than $1 million in the Chicago area for children through his Cornerstone Foundation. His charity provides children with educational opportunities and resources.
Since Tillman's daughter, Tiana, who was diagnosed in 2008 with dilated cardiomyopathy and got a heart transplant, the Bears DB has watched his foundation switch his efforts to improving the lives of chronically ill children.
"I'm very proud, very humbled and very honored to receive such a prestigious award," Tillman said. "I'm just a face. There are so many unsung heroes. My wife and my board members. I'm not even deserving of this. I do it because I want to obviously."
Arizona kicker Jay Feely and Carolina linebacker Thomas Davis were also considered for the award this season.
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