• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'

2

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 

3

Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year

1

Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'

2

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 

3

Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year
super bowl 50

Carolina Panthers’ Charles Tillman Is Enjoying His Super Bowl 50 Moment

By
John Gaudiosi
John Gaudiosi
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
John Gaudiosi
John Gaudiosi
Down Arrow Button Icon
February 7, 2016, 1:00 AM ET
Philadelphia Eagles v Chicago Bears
Photograph by Jonathan Daniel — Getty Images

In addition to handling his Opening Night media questions and preparing for his second Super Bowl experience, Carolina Panthers cornerback Charles Tillman spent some time in San Francisco at the Instigate Labs office. That start-up has just launched Moment, a new app and website that allows MLB, NBA, and NFL athletes to directly connect with their fan base through personalized short video messages to raise money for charity.

Tillman is using the service to raise money for his Cornerstone Foundation, which provides resources to critically and chronically ill children and their families who are in need. The former Chicago Bear received the 2014 Walter Payton Award for his charitable work, which remains a big part of his life. Tillman took some time from his hectic Super Bowl 50 week to discuss his return to the Big Game (his second time facing off against Peyton Manning), the role technology plays in charity today, and how this new start-up could change the fundraising world in this exclusive interview. Answers have been edited for clarity.

How did the Cornerstone Foundation begin?

Back in 2005 my daughter received a heart transplant, and while we were in the hospital my wife and I we saw some things that we didn’t actually agree with, and things that we could help out with, with those families that were in the hospital. So we started the Cornerstone Foundation, and since we’ve been able to help chronically and critically ill children. Since doing that, man, it’s changed our lives. We’re very passionate about it, and we’ve been blessed to help a lot of people.

What does Moment open up to social media-savvy athletes today?

It’s a new way to raise money. It’s a digital platform that allows me to connect with my fans in a more personal way. It also opens up my ability to connect with fans beyond Carolina and Chicago all over the world. And at the same time, I’m raising money for those families that we help out with our charity.

What role does technology play for you today?

The times are changing, and we have to change with the times. When I first started my foundation back in 2005, social media was nowhere near what it is now. It’s a way for us to stay connected with our fans, with everyone.

In a way these short 30-60 second Moment video clips are like the modern day autograph for the selfie world.

Yeah, it’s more personable. It’s a way for me to really connect with you. What’s better than an autographed picture of me to John that reads “Get well soon”? An actual video that you can archive that lives on forever. It’s something that you can actually Tweet out, something that you can Instagram. I think people want that more. I think it will resonate with people more, and that gives you a better way to connect with your fans. It’s like the modern day autograph.

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter.

What did it mean for you to win the Walter Payton Award?

Up to date it’s my greatest NFL moment. I’ve never won a Super Bowl. Hopefully, I win one on Sunday—it mean everything. There are 1,800 guys in this league and they only pick one guy to represent the NFL with this award to really show fans what we’re about. It was an honor, and it was a great experience at Radio City Music Hall. I got a standing ovation. It was so surreal. I was up there crying, and I was trying to behave myself, but it was just this moment. It was my time to tell people my story and thank them and let them know how grateful and appreciative I was.

What’s your favorite technology?

I recently got on Instagram, so I’m learning the whole Instagram thing with the pictures. I think Instagram is cool because it allows me to actually follow things I’m interested in. I’m a huge jewelry collector. I have a ton of jades. I love old school cars, so I start looking at classic cars like Chevy Chevelles, Impalas, Caprices, Chargers, Challengers and things like that.

What was your first car?

An ’83 Oldsmobile 98–aka the Lemon-lac, because it was kind of yellow. We called it the lemon-lac, or Big Bird.

How is Moment impacting your thoughts on what you’d like to do after football?

I learned this a long time ago when I was in college. My teacher used to always say everybody is a “dot com” away from being a billionaire. I think we all want to be on something new, whether it be Moment. Hopefully, Moment can be the next thing. I know this is a start-up company, but I would love to be a part of something huge, something that will change how we perceive fundraising, a new digital platform. If it goes well, we can pave the way and be a game champion.

Does it ever feel like you’re watching a video game when you’re on the sideline watching Cam Newton and he’s lighting it up on the field?

We often joke about that. I think Cam is like that create-a-player in Madden, where you could make a quarterback who can run, who can throw, who can jump, who’s fast, and you just boost up all his ratings. He does it all. I’m sure when Cam comes out on Madden next year, he’s going to be 99 in every category.

How did being in the Super Bowl ten years ago with the Bears impact this return trip?

I keep telling my teammates to enjoy the experience. You can’t think, “I’ll be back next year.” It’s tough to get back here. It’s been 10 years for me. So you have to seize the moment, take advantage of it. There is no tomorrow. You might not get the opportunity to come back. Everybody on that team I’ve played with in Chicago, they’re all retired. And it’s kind of like they’re living their Super Bowl dreams through me. At the end of the day you’ve got to go out and give it everything you got and leave it all on the field.

How has this Super Bowl 50 experience expanded since then?

We didn’t have social media like there is now, so social media plays a huge part in how people experience Super Bowl week. Media Day, or Opening Night as they call it now, is something I still enjoy. I got a question from a guy in drag – that was a little strange for me, but different – not traditional. You get everybody from all over the globe asking all types of crazy questions. One lady was talking to me about erectile dysfunction and football players. I could not tell you. There were questions about technology, and entertainment and gossip from all types of media. It’s some of everything at Opening Night. If you’ve never gone, I highly recommend you go next year because it is absolutely insane.

About the Author
By John Gaudiosi
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in

Elon Musk puts one hand to his chin and he looks up. He is in front of a blue "World Economic Forum" background.
InvestingSpaceX
‘SpaceX is his new baby at the expense of Tesla’: Elon Musk’s IPO could be bad news for his EV maker, investors warns
By Sasha RogelbergMay 21, 2026
5 hours ago
matthew prince
AILayoffs
Cloudflare posted record revenue, then cut 20% of its workforce. CEO Matthew Prince says AI has made an entire category of workers obsolete
By Jake AngeloMay 21, 2026
5 hours ago
Prakash Arunkundrum, HP’s first-ever chief strategy and transformation officer, bets edge AI will ‘bring the token cost down’
AIConsumer electronics
Prakash Arunkundrum, HP’s first-ever chief strategy and transformation officer, bets edge AI will ‘bring the token cost down’
By Angelica AngMay 21, 2026
5 hours ago
What is red light therapy?: Our experts break down the new wellness trend
HealthHealth
What is red light therapy?: Our experts break down the new wellness trend
By Katie MooreMay 21, 2026
6 hours ago
zohran
PoliticsWorld Cup
Mamdani’s campaign for cheap World Cup tickets delivers 1,000 for city of 8 million
By The Associated PressMay 21, 2026
7 hours ago
duggan
PoliticsElections
‘In 60 days there’s been a huge change in the attitudes of this country’: Former Detroit mayor says bipartisan approach in governor race is doomed
By Corey Williams and The Associated PressMay 21, 2026
7 hours ago

Most Popular

Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'
Success
Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'
By Preston ForeMay 20, 2026
1 day ago
Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
Workplace Culture
Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
By Preston ForeMay 19, 2026
2 days ago
Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year
Success
Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year
By Preston ForeMay 21, 2026
11 hours ago
Pay transparency is exposing a bigger problem: Most companies can't explain why they pay what they pay
Workplace Culture
Pay transparency is exposing a bigger problem: Most companies can't explain why they pay what they pay
By Sydney LakeMay 20, 2026
1 day ago
Meet a 21-year-old community college student who's going to China as the first American woman welder in the trades Olympics
Future of Work
Meet a 21-year-old community college student who's going to China as the first American woman welder in the trades Olympics
By Mike Householder and The Associated PressMay 17, 2026
4 days ago
A 'proudly autistic' workplace expert says putting neurodivergent employees in a typical office is like dropping a polar bear in Austin, Texas
Conferences
A 'proudly autistic' workplace expert says putting neurodivergent employees in a typical office is like dropping a polar bear in Austin, Texas
By Tristan BoveMay 20, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.