Ex NFL Star Turns to This Verse During Hard Times

Published: April 15, 2025

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By Mallory Mattingly

Former Chicago Bears defensive back Charles “Peanut” Tillman recently discussed with Sports Spectrum how he uses his faith to “show the world why God is who He is.”

Sports Spectrum’s podcast host Matt Forte asked Tillman what Scripture he turns to when he faces a difficult moment in life.

“I think it’s James. I don’t have it memorized…He just says, ‘Consider it pure joy’ that when you have something happen — or ‘Consider it pure joy when something bad happens, when you face trials and temptation,'” Tillman said.

The athlete was quoting James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

“This is the moment that I get to prove and lean in my faith and show the world why I do what I do. I can show the world why God is who He is, why Jesus was who He was, I am who I am,” Tillman said.

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“And when I first read it, I was like, man, nobody’s trying to get happy about this specific event going on in my life right now,” he added. “I’m scared. I’m sad. I’m nervous. I don’t know what’s about to happen. I want to trust in you — but do I really want to trust in you? I’m hoping and wishing instead of just praying and giving it all to you.”

“And as much as I believe in God, I still would find myself like, ‘I wish,’ ‘I hope,’ and it’s just like — no. I don’t want to — I don’t need to wish and hope. I got to fully submit, commit and pray and really believe the words that are coming out of my mouth,” he concluded.

In 2013, Tillman was awarded the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, a moment he described as “humbling.”

“It wasn’t just about football — it was about making a meaningful impact off the field and giving back to the communities that have supported me throughout my journey,” Tillman wrote in a post on Instagram.

“Today, I want to take a moment to thank Nationwide for their unwavering commitment to recognizing and amplifying the efforts of NFL players who strive to make a difference,” he added. “Your partnership with this award has been a game-changer, shining a spotlight on the importance of community service and philanthropy.”