Tillman was an All-American running back for the University of Oklahoma (1983–86) and was the captain of the 1985 National Championship team when it defeated Penn State, 25–10, in the Orange Bowl.
Before an Oilers home game in October 1987, Tillman was riding in a Houston taxi cab when the driver was stricken and became unconscious.
He was co-captain with Joe Montana and Ronnie Lott as part of the 49ers roster at Super Bowl XXIV when they defeated the AFC champion Denver Broncos.
After being drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1987, Tillman worked as an anchor and reporter at KPRC-TV during the seven-month off-season.
His role includes reading promotional copy for the station, as well as weekly on-air time during the football season.