Grand Marshal 2026

Charles "Peanut" Tillman

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Chicago Bears legend Charles “Peanut” Tillman will lead one of the city’s most cherished holiday traditions as Grand Marshal of the 92nd Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, stepping off Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, along State Street.

 

The former Bears cornerback and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year will take center stage on a uniquely Chicago Thanksgiving morning that brings together two hometown traditions: the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade and Bears football. The parade will air live on CBS Chicago from 8-10 a.m., before the station transitions to local pregame coverage ahead of the Bears’ Thanksgiving Day matchup against Detroit.

 

Tillman, who spent 12 seasons with the Bears, has continued to make an impact off the field through his charitable work and the Cornerstone Foundation. His role as Grand Marshal will help put that commitment to community at the center of this year’s celebration.​​

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