(Photo By Flickr User UrbanPromise)

Former Chicago Bears & Carolina Panthers football star Charles “Peanut” Tillman, will headline the inaugural Journal Star (PJ Star) Best of Central Illinois Preps awards gala, set for Monday, June 26th at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, IL.

The event will honor all of the Journal Star all-stars and players of the year for the 2016-17 school year, plus announce winners of six special awards being accorded for the first time.

About Charles “Peanut” Tillman:

Tillman, the celebrity guest speaker, made his mark during 13 seasons as one of the best defensive players and most upstanding citizens in the National Football League.

A second-round draft pick in 2003, Tillman spent 12 seasons as a cornerback for the Bears, twice earning selection to the Pro Bowl and helping lead the team to Super Bowl XLI in 2007.

He played one more season for the Carolina Panthers, helping put them in position to go to Super Bowl 50 in 2016 before injuries forced him off the field and retire.

The time for this event will start at 6pm.

Tickets are available to the general public.

Reservations should be made online at www.pjstar.com/bestofpreps.