After 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers, Charles Tillman announces his retirement with a 'Peanut Punch Everything' video. (2:45)

CHICAGO -- Cornerback Charles Tillman retired from the NFL as arguably the greatest defensive back in Chicago Bears' team history.

Tillman’s talent transcended schemes. Over 12 years in Chicago, Tillman proved to be one of the NFL’s most well-rounded defenders.

Drafted by the Bears in the second round in 2003, Tillman originally thrived in Greg Blache’s attack style of defense before settling in to Lovie Smith’s zone-oriented Cover 2.

Charles Tillman forced a whopping 42 fumbles in his 12 seasons with the Bears, primarily by punching the ball away from his opponents. Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

Aided by a ferocious pass rush in 2005 and 2006, Tillman played his part to near perfection, helping Chicago build the league’s top-rated defense en route to back-to-back NFC North titles and a trip to Super Bowl XLI. Years later, Tillman tied for the team lead with five interceptions as the Bears advanced to the 2010 NFC Championship Game.

But Tillman also possessed the rare skill set to be a lock-down, one-on-one cornerback when necessary.

Chicago’s loyal fan base vividly remembers Tillman’s rookie-season matchup against All-Pro receiver Randy Moss, when Tillman stole the ball away from Moss in the end zone late in the fourth quarter to seal a Bears' victory.

Later on, Tillman would be charged with the unenviable task of shadowing future Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson. Over the years, Tillman more than held his own versus Johnson, who had a three-inch height advantage.

What really separated Tillman from his peers, though, was the staggering rate at which he forced turnovers.

The creator of the famed “Peanut Punch,” Tillman tormented opponents. No one was immune from Tillman’s uncanny knack for punching out the football. NFL teams practiced and stressed ball security all week in advance of playing Tillman, but the savvy cornerback still found a way to strip the football. Tillman, who was voted to Pro Bowls in 2010 and 2012, forced an astounding 43 fumbles for the Bears, including a career-high 10 in 2012.

Drafted by the Bears in the second round in 2003, Tillman rewrote Chicago’s record book over 12 seasons. He departed the Bears last offseason as the club’s all-time leader in defensive touchdowns (nine), interception return touchdowns (eight), and interception return yards (675).

Tillman’s 36 interceptions are third in team history, behind only safeties Gary Fencik (38) and Richie Petitbon (37).

Tillman is a generational talent.

While he never received the accolades given to teammates Brian Urlacher or Lance Briggs, Tillman was a major reason why the Bears' defense soared to such impressive heights from 2005-12.

The Bears could spend the next 20 years searching for the next Charles Tillman.

He was truly one of a kind.