Tim Jennings
An undersized but fearless cornerback who transformed himself into a Pro Bowl ballhawk and a Super Bowl champion with the Chicago Bears.
Born 1983 (age 43)·American football player·Birthday: December 24·Millennials
Biography
Tim Jennings proved that heart and film study could trump prototypical size in the NFL. At just 5'8", the Georgia Bulldog star was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2006, where he quickly established himself as a physical, if sometimes penalty-prone, defender. His true breakout, however, came after signing with the Chicago Bears in 2010. In Chicago's defensive system, Jennings honed his instincts, developing a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He led the NFL with nine interceptions in 2012, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and a reputation as one of the league's premier takeaway artists. A key member of the Bears' formidable defense, his career arc—from solid starter to elite playmaker—is a testament to adaptation and relentless preparation.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Tim was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Tim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected to the Pro Bowl in 2012 after leading the NFL with nine interceptions.
- Won Super Bowl XLI with the Indianapolis Colts as a rookie.
- Recorded 20 interceptions and 85 passes defended over his 11-season NFL career.
Did You Know?
He was a standout track athlete in high school, competing in the 100-meter dash and long jump.
He played college football at the University of Georgia alongside fellow future NFL defensive backs.
His 2012 season included a stretch of four interceptions in two consecutive games.
“They said I was too small, so I played bigger.”
