Lovie Smith and Charles Tillman share fond memories together in the state of Illinois.
Tillman, a former Chicago Bears cornerback, was a staple of Lovie Smith’s defense during his NFL stint. Tillman and Smith spent nine years together in the Windy City, reaching the Super Bowl in 2007.
Tillman visited his ex-coach at Illinois practice on Tuesday:
Peanut sighting at today's practice. #Illini #WeWillWin pic.twitter.com/hNvrXClxAW
— Illini Football (@IlliniFootball) August 9, 2016
Legends. #Illini #WeWillWin pic.twitter.com/G70ZWuFFBz
— Illini Football (@IlliniFootball) August 9, 2016
Master of the "ball punch," Tillman forced 44 fumbles in the NFL and is the Bears’ all-time leader in interceptions. Perhaps he can inspire the Illinois defense to force a few more turnovers in 2016.
UPDATE:
A few days later, the Illini are practicing what Peanut preached.
Watch below as Illinois defenders try their hand at the move that made Tillman an NFL great:
@peanuttillman #Illini #WeWillWin pic.twitter.com/xhCSnBRgIf
— Illini Football (@IlliniFootball) August 11, 2016
Opposing running backs and receivers: beware.