The NFL needs an image reboot now more than ever.

The stories of Charles Tillman and Devon Still are a good place to start.

As the league seemingly sinks deeper into a quagmire of corruption and depravity, players like Tillman and Still remind us of the good that remains among its legion of players.

Tillman, a 12-year veteran of the Chicago Bears, suffered a season-ending injury to his arm last Monday night. He was visibly shaken on the sidelines, weeping openly with the knowledge that his career may be over.

On the field, Tillman – a two-time Pro Bowler – became a stout cornerback with a penchant for creating turnovers. His lasting legacy has already been established away from the game, though, where Tillman has earned the Ed Block Courage Award, the Salute to Service Award, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year honor – all since 2009.

Tillman is involved in countless charitable causes, including a Cornerstone Foundation mission to improve the lives of critically and chronically ill children throughout Chicago. He created the organization after his daughter was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and went through a heart transplant procedure in 2008.

An unassuming star, Tillman is revered among Bears fans and respected throughout the NFL. The man is a consummate professional and will be sorely missed if he never plays another down in the game he loves.

Still, a defensive tackle for Cincinnati, found out during the summer that his 4-year-old daughter has Stage 4 neuroblastoma. In an effort to support his family’s cause, the Bengals decided to donate money raised from Still’s jersey sales – $100 each – to pediatric cancer research.

The movement gained instant traction, and the organization announced earlier this week that over $500,000 had been raised in the name of Still’s daughter. New Orleans coach Sean Payton was so moved by the story that he purchased 100 Still jerseys himself.

Nothing will reverse the damage done by Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and the horde of recent offenders who have caused incontrovertible harm to the NFL’s reputation. With that being said, the league’s critics should guard against sweeping generalizations that are becoming increasingly popular with every incident.

The boorish behavior must end, without question. By in large, though, the vast majority of players, coaches and organizations are still functioning – or even flourishing – in a professional and reputable manner. A few bad apples shouldn’t spoil the bunch.

MONEY TALKS: University of Iowa fans are beyond frustrated with what they’ve seen from Kirk Ferentz’s Hawkeyes so far this season.

The anger is understandable at face value, though I think there are a few underlying issues adding fuel to the fire. It isn’t just unimaginative play calling and a ho-hum record recently that have some black and gold supporters ready to throw in the towel.

Ferentz’s career arc is starting to look eerily similar to that of Hayden Fry, who finished .500 or worse in four of his last seven seasons at Iowa. Yet fans were much more patient with Fry back in the day, and he is still one of the school’s most beloved sports figures.

The difference?

Aside from the personality gap – Ferentz could definitely benefit from thumbing through his predecessor’s playbook on sideline passion and media availability – Fry never made $4 million a year. In addition, his followers never had to pay nearly $100 per seat to watch his team play.

The fuse of a typical Hawkeye backer is much shorter in today’s climate, given their relatively meager return on investment. Add a pending $55 million state-of-the-art practice facility – again, fueled mainly by private donations – and you start to see the pattern.

Are the expectations realistic? The question is almost moot. When big money is involved – from salaries and season ticket prices on down – results must follow.

Ferentz created this beast. Now he needs to find a way to tame it.

Eric Pratt is Sports Editor at The Messenger. He may be reached afternoons and evenings at 1-800-622-6613, or by e-mail at sports@messengernews.net