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Chicago Bears Legend Becomes Co-Owner of Chicago Sky — A Legacy Beyond Football

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Charles Tillman: Ex-NFL cornerback now an FBI agent - Sports Illustrated

Chicago, IL – October 2, 2025

Chicago has always been defined by strength, loyalty, and a deep passion for its teams. That bond just grew stronger as former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman officially became a co-owner of the Chicago Sky (WNBA), cementing his lifelong ties to the Windy City.

Founded in 2006, the Sky are among the WNBA’s most successful franchises, highlighted by their 2021 championship and the mantra “Sky’s the Limit.” In 2025, they’re in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Tillman’s journey from a 2003 rookie to the legend behind the “Peanut Punch” made him a symbol of resilience across Northern Illinois. His new role with the Sky underscores a commitment that extends far beyond Soldier Field.

“Chicago gave me everything—my career, my family, and my love for this city. This isn’t just home; this is forever. I want to spend my life giving back to Chicago and spreading our sports spirit across the country,” Tillman said, striking a chord with fans.

While Tillman’s investment aligns with a broader trend of athletes diversifying into team ownership, this move carries deeper meaning. It’s more than business—it’s legacy. By joining the Sky’s ownership group, Tillman helps ensure Chicago’s identity continues to shine on a national stage.

The partnership also strengthens cross-sport unity in the city. Bears fans now have a defensive star equally invested in the success of Chicago’s women’s basketball team, creating a unique bridge between the Bears and Sky communities.

For Tillman, this isn’t a short-term project. Just as he devoted himself to the Bears, his commitment to the Sky reflects a desire to see Chicago sports thrive for generations. From leading on the field to leading in the boardroom, the city has a face for its sporting future.

The move has been praised as a “historic day for Chicago,” with fans celebrating Tillman not only as a player, but as a civic icon. In a city built on loyalty, his decision is the ultimate tribute.

Today, Chicago has the Peanut Punch—and a co-owner determined to shape the city’s sports tomorrow.

Cowboys Reunite with a Former Starter, Bolstering a Battle-Tested Defense for the Stretch Run
Dallas, TX – In a surprising yet strategic move, the Dallas Cowboys have officially signed linebacker Luke Gifford on the afternoon of October 8, 2025, just hours after the San Francisco 49ers decided to cut the veteran. The one-year, $3.5 million deal (with performance bonuses up to $1.5 million) marks an emotional homecoming for Gifford to the franchise that launched his career, while also plugging an urgent hole in Dallas’ linebacker depth after multiple injuries out of Week 5.   Gifford, 29, was a reliable glue piece for the Cowboys from 2019 to 2022—an undrafted gem who carved out his role on special teams and situational defense in the star and stripes. After leaving Dallas, he spent time with the Tennessee Titans (2023) and 49ers (2024–2025), earning a reputation as a smart, assignment-sound linebacker who can play WILL/SAM and contribute immediately on kick coverage and sub-packages.   With San Francisco this year, Gifford appeared in four games before Tuesday night’s roster shuffle left him as the odd man out. Dallas pounced. “Luke knows our standard and our language,” head coach Mike McCarthy said after practice. “He’s tough, dependable, and versatile. Given where our linebacker room is right now, he’s exactly the kind of veteran who can stabilize us fast.”   For the Cowboys—leading the NFC East at 4–1 but juggling availability at linebacker—this is timely triage and culture reinforcement. Defensive coaches value Gifford’s communication and angles in space; special teams coordinator notes he can step in on all four core units immediately. Gifford, moments after signing, posted on X: “Back where it started. Let’s work. #HowBoutThemCowboys #DC4L”   Cowboys Nation erupted online as #GiffordReturns trended across the Metroplex, with many fans framing it as a subtle flex against the 49ers—Dallas’ recent playoff nemesis. NFL Network panels speculated Gifford could suit up as early as this weekend if paperwork clears, logging early snaps on special teams and dime looks while the staff ramps him into the defensive packages.   Beyond the depth chart math, the message is clear: Dallas is moving decisively to protect its defensive identity and keep the NFC East lead. If Gifford brings the same reliability and edge-setting discipline he showed in his first stint, the Cowboys may have found the steadying piece they needed for a stretch run.   Can Luke Gifford’s homecoming spark a sturdier second level and help Dallas tighten the screws in crunch time? We’ll know soon enough. #CowboysNation #DallasCowboys #HowBoutThemCowboys