William Perry (American football)

William Perry
No. 72, 90, 95     
Defensive tackle, Fullback
Personal information
Date of birth: December 16, 1962 (1962-12-16) (age 49)
Place of birth: Aiken, South Carolina
Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) Weight: 335 lb (152 kg)
Career information
College: Clemson
NFL Draft: 1985 / Round: 1 / Pick: 22
Debuted in 1985 for the Chicago Bears
Last played in 1994 for the Philadelphia Eagles
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NFL.com

William Anthony Perry (born December 16, 1962) is a former American college and professional football player who was a defensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons during the 1980s and 1990s. Perry played college football for Clemson University, and was recognized as an All-American. He was selected in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft, and played professionally for the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL. In reference to his large size, he was popularly known as "The Refrigerator" or, abbreviated, "The Fridge".

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Early years

Perry was born in Aiken, South Carolina. He has stated in an interview that "Even when I was little, I was big." He attended Aiken High School, where he was a standout high school football player.

College career

Perry attended Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, where he played for coach Danny Ford's Clemson Tigers football team from 1981 to 1984. He was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American as a junior in 1983.

Professional career

In 1985, he was selected in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Nicknamed "The Refrigerator" for his gargantuan, almost rhomboid, frame, Perry was 6 ft 2 in (1.9 m) and weighed 382 lb (173.3 kg) at his peak weight. He quickly became a favorite of the Chicago Bears fans.

Perry, who wore number 72 as a Chicago Bear, became famous for his prowess as a defensive lineman. In addition, Perry was used as a fullback when his team was near the opponents' goal line or 4th and short situations, either as a ball carrier or a lead blocker for running back Walter Payton. During his rookie season, Perry rushed for 2 touchdowns and caught a pass for one. Perry was once used in a surprise play during a Pro Bowl game as an offensive lineman.

Perry even had the opportunity to run the ball during Super Bowl XX, as a nod to his popularity and contributions to the team's success. The first time he got the ball, he was tackled for a one-yard loss while attempting to throw his first NFL pass on a halfback option play. The second time he got the ball, he scored a touchdown.

Perry went on to play for ten years in the NFL. His Super Bowl ring size is the largest of any professional football player in the history of the event. His ring size is 25, while the ring size for the average adult male is between 10 and 12.[1]

Perry retired after the 1994 season. In his 10 years as a pro, he played in 138 games, recording 29.5 sacks and 5 fumble recoveries, which he returned for 71 yards. In his offensive career he ran 5 yards for 2 Tds. Perry later attempted a comeback, playing the 1996 season with the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football (later NFL Europa).

Beyond football

After retiring from football, Perry was involved in a few other entertainment endeavors, including the following:

After he retired as a player, Perry founded his own small commodity hedge fund in his native South Carolina and made numerous public appearances.

Recently, he was named Director of Football Operations for the Continental Indoor Football League's Chicago Slaughter.

In June 2008, he was diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome, a chronic inflammation disorder of the peripheral nerves.[5] On April 22, 2009, Perry was hospitalized in South Carolina in serious condition from his Guillain-Barré syndrome.[6] Perry spent approximately a month in the hospital before being released. At one point his weight fell to 190 lb (90 kg), before going back up to 275 lb (120 kg).

During Super Bowl XLIV, Perry joined other members of the 1985 Chicago Bears in resurrecting the Super Bowl Shuffle in a Boost Mobile commercial.[7]

In June 2010, it was reported that Perry now suffered from hearing loss, but also that he was improving after his diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome. He had lost more than one hundred pounds (50 kg), but was, by this time, back up to 330 lb (150 kg).[8]

In February 2011, ESPN ran a somber article about him, citing ongoing health and drinking problems, and a weight of 400 pounds (180 kg).[9]

In April 2011, Cliff Forrest, a 10 year-old child, mistakenly bought a replica Perry Super Bowl ring for $8,500 thinking it was the actual, and gave the ring to Perry.[10]

After his NFL career, The Fridge also does paid corporate appearances and autograph signings. His official website is www.Fridge72.com.[11]

Sources

References

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