text: Charles Tillman has concluded his storied 12-year career with the Chicago Bears. The veteran cornerback has agreed a deal with the Carolina Panthers with the two-time Pro Bowler opting to link-up with Ron Rivera. At the age of 34 and after another injury-hit season, the new Bears hierarchy did not express an interest in keeping Tillman on the roster. But he leaves Chicago with his achievements on the field matched by those off it. Charles Tillman has ended his Chicago career but remains a favourite for  his work on and off the field . Drafted in the second round from Louisiana Lafeyette in 2003, Tillman became a staple of Lovie Smith's stingy defense, which propelled the Bears to Super Bowl XLI. A franchise record holder for defensive touchdowns and interception returns for touchdowns, the forced fumble specialist lies third on the all-time list for interceptions with 36. He started 152 of 156 games, but finished the past two seasons on injured reserve after tearing his right triceps. Tillman said the chance to work with Rivera - a former Bears player who worked as defensive co-ordinator from 2004-6 - was too good to turn down. Tillman holds several Bears defensive accolades and was a stalwart of their defense during his 12 years . 'I think Coach Rivera was one of the main reasons why I wanted to be here,' Tillman said. 'He's a guy that I had a lot of respect for when I was in Chicago. I love his leadership and his qualities as a coach, and he's done a good job with the Panthers. There's a good group of guys here like Thomas Davis, Greg Olsen, Luke Kuechly and Cam Newton. I got a good vibe here.' 'This is a similar defense, and Steve Wilks and (defensive line coach) Eric Washington were also in Chicago, so there is familiarity.' Since setting up the Cornerstone Foundation a decade ago, Tillman's charity has impacted over a million needy children and their families in the Chicago area. His work with the foundation was honoured with the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2014. In a quirk of fate, the Panthers also have the 2015 recipient of the award, Thomas Davis, on their roster.
target: Tillman spent 12 years in Chicago but the new team management did not declare an interest to retain his services .
  A staple of Lovie Smith's stingy defense, he will again link up with Ron Rivera, whowas the Bears defensive co-ordinator between 2004-06 .
  Tillman holds a number of franchise records and the forced fumble specialist joins Sean McDermott's scheme .
  He has also been honoured for his work in the community and won the 2014 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award .