William Perry (American football)
Encyclopedia
William Perry is a former professional American football
player. He is best known for his years as a defensive lineman for the Chicago Bears
. In reference to his large size, he was popularly known as "The Refrigerator" or, abbreviated, "The Fridge".
. He has stated in an interview that, "Even when I was little, I was big." After a successful career at Aiken High School (South Carolina), Perry played college football
at Clemson University
. 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 in 2 in (1.88 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 touchdown
s 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.
Perry retired after the 1994 season. In his 10 years as a pro, he played in 138 games, recording 29.5 sack
s 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).
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. On April 22, 2009, Perry was hospitalized in South Carolina
in serious condition from his Guillain-Barré syndrome
. Perry spent approximately a month in the hospital before being released. At one point his weight fell to 190 lb (86.2 kg), before going back up to 275 lb (124.7 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.
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 (100 lb (45.4 kg)), but was, by this time, back up to 330 lb (149.7 kg).
In February 2011, ESPN
ran a somber article about him, citing ongoing health and drinking problems, and a weight of 400 pounds (181.4 kg).
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.
After his NFL career, The Fridge also does paid corporate appearances and autograph signings. His official website is www.Fridge72.com.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
player. He is best known for his years as a defensive lineman for the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In reference to his large size, he was popularly known as "The Refrigerator" or, abbreviated, "The Fridge".
Life and athletic career
Perry was born in Aiken, South CarolinaAiken, South Carolina
Aiken is a city in and the county seat of Aiken County, South Carolina, United States. With Augusta, Georgia, it is one of the two largest cities of the Central Savannah River Area. It is part of the Augusta-Richmond County Metropolitan Statistical Area. Aiken is home to the University of South...
. He has stated in an interview that, "Even when I was little, I was big." After a successful career at Aiken High School (South Carolina), Perry played college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
at Clemson University
Clemson University
Clemson University is an American public, coeducational, land-grant, sea-grant, research university located in Clemson, South Carolina, United States....
. In 1985, he was selected in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft
1985 NFL Draft
The 1985 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 30 and May 1, 1985...
by the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Nicknamed "The Refrigerator" for his gargantuan, almost rhomboid, frame, Perry was 6 in 2 in (1.88 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
Fullback (American football)
A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
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
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
Walter Payton
Walter Payton
Walter Jerry Payton was an American football running back who played for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League for thirteen seasons. Walter Payton was known around the NFL as "Sweetness". He is remembered as one of the most prolific running backs in the history of American football...
. During his rookie season, Perry rushed for 2 touchdown
Touchdown
A touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.-Description:...
s and caught a pass for one. Perry was once used in a surprise play during a Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
game as an offensive lineman.
Perry even had the opportunity to run the ball during Super Bowl XX
Super Bowl XX
Super Bowl XX was an American football championship game played on January 26, 1986 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the National Football League champion following the 1985 regular season...
, 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
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
pass on a halfback option play
Halfback option play
The halfback option play is an unorthodox play in American football. It resembles a normal running play, but the running back has the option to throw a pass to a wide receiver or tight end before crossing the line of scrimmage....
. 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
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League , the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather...
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.
Perry retired after the 1994 season. In his 10 years as a pro, he played in 138 games, recording 29.5 sack
Quarterback sack
In American football and Canadian football, a sack occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage before he can throw a forward pass, or when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage in the "pocket" and the intent of what he was going to do is unclear...
s and 5 fumble
Fumble
A fumble in American and Canadian football occurs when a player, who has possession and control of the ball loses it before being downed or scoring. By rule, it is any act other than passing, kicking or successful handing that results in loss of player possession...
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
London Monarchs
The London Monarchs were a professional American football team in NFL Europe and its predecessor league, the World League of American Football . The Monarchs played their final season in 1998 as the England Monarchs...
of the World League of American Football
World League of American Football
The World League of American Football was founded in 1990 with support from the National Football League to play professional American football in North America, Europe and later possibly Asia...
(later NFL Europa).
Beyond football
After retiring from football, Perry was involved in a few other entertainment endeavors, including the following:- In 2006, he began marketing his own branded barbecue sauce.
- In 2006, he participated in the Lingerie BowlLingerie BowlThe Lingerie Bowl is an annual Super Bowl halftime alternative shown on pay-per-view TV. It features a game of full-contact American football with female athletes playing seven-on-seven tackle football. Lingerie Bowl I aired during Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 with Team Euphoria losing to the Team...
as the super sub. - Perry participated in a World Wrestling FederationWorld Wrestling EntertainmentWorld Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. is an American publicly traded, privately controlled entertainment company dealing primarily in professional wrestling, with major revenue sources also coming from film, music, product licensing, and direct product sales...
battle royalBattle royal (professional wrestling)In professional wrestling, a battle royal is a multi-competitor match type in which wrestlers are eliminated until one is left and declared winner...
at WrestleMania 2WrestleMania 2WrestleMania 2 was the second annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by the World Wrestling Federation...
in Rosemont, IllinoisRosemont, IllinoisRosemont is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States located immediately northwest of Chicago. The village was incorporated in 1956, though it had been settled long before that...
. In 2006, he returned to the Chicago area to be inducted into the "Celebrity Wing" of the WWE Hall of FameWWE Hall of FameThe WWE Hall of Fame is a hall of fame for professional wrestlers maintained by WWE. It was officially created on the February 1, 1993 episode of the World Wrestling Federation's Monday Night Raw television program...
by John CenaJohn CenaJohn Felix Anthony Cena is an American professional wrestler, actor, rapper, and television personality. He is currently signed to WWE as a member of its WWE Raw brand....
. - In 2002 he lost in the third round to 7 in 7 in (2.31 m) former NBANational Basketball AssociationThe National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
basketball player Manute BolManute BolManute Bol was a Sudanese-born basketball player and activist. At 7 feet, 7 inches , Bol was one of the tallest players ever to appear in the National Basketball Association, along with Gheorghe Mureşan. Unlike Mureşan, however, Bol was naturally tall and did not have a Pituitary disease...
in a charity boxing match on the Fox Network's Celebrity BoxingCelebrity BoxingCelebrity Boxing was a FOX television show, in which celebrities whose careers and/or notoriety had diminished were pitted against each other in exhibition boxing matches. The contestants wore headgear during the fights, which were scheduled for three rounds apiece...
program. Perry entered the match visibly above his NFL playing weight. - The Fridge is one of several real people to be immortalized as a 3.75 in (9.5 cm) G.I. JoeG.I. JoeG.I. Joe is a line of action figures produced by the toy company Hasbro. The initial product offering represented four of the branches of the U.S. armed forces with the Action Soldier , Action Sailor , Action Pilot , Action Marine and later on, the Action Nurse...
action figureAction figureAn action figure is a posable character figurine, made of plastic or other materials, and often based upon characters from a film, comic book, video game, or television program. These action figures are usually marketed towards boys and male collectors...
. Like Sgt. SlaughterSgt. SlaughterRobert Remus , better known by his ring name Sgt. Slaughter, is an American former WWE personality and semi-retired professional wrestler. From the late 1970s to the early 1990s, Slaughter had success in the National Wrestling Alliance, American Wrestling Association, and World Wrestling...
before him, Perry's figure was available through mail order. The figure was offered in 1986, the same year the Bears defeated the New England PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
in the Super Bowl. - During his popular tenure with the Bears, Perry participated in the recording of two rapHip hop musicHip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
records, both in 1985, in addition to the team's very popular "Super Bowl ShuffleSuper Bowl Shuffle"The Super Bowl Shuffle" is a rap song performed by players of the Chicago Bears football team during 1985, slightly prior to their win in Super Bowl XX.-Song and video:...
". - Walter PaytonWalter PaytonWalter Jerry Payton was an American football running back who played for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League for thirteen seasons. Walter Payton was known around the NFL as "Sweetness". He is remembered as one of the most prolific running backs in the history of American football...
and Perry recorded an anti-drugRecreational drug useRecreational drug use is the use of a drug, usually psychoactive, with the intention of creating or enhancing recreational experience. Such use is controversial, however, often being considered to be also drug abuse, and it is often illegal...
, pro-peace rap tune entitled "Together" which was written by four Evanston, IllinoisEvanston, IllinoisEvanston is a suburban municipality in Cook County, Illinois 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, bordering Chicago to the south, Skokie to the west, and Wilmette to the north, with an estimated population of 74,360 as of 2003. It is one of the North Shore communities that adjoin Lake Michigan...
teens. It was re-released in 1999 with part of the profits going to the Walter Payton Foundation. - Popular rap trio The Fat BoysThe Fat BoysThe Fat Boys are a successful African American hip-hop music trio from Brooklyn, New York City, that emerged in the early 1980s. Briefly, the group was known originally as the Disco 3.-Members:*Mark Morales a.k.a. "Prince Markie Dee"...
recorded a twelve-inch single titled "Chillin' with the Refrigerator" released on Sutra Records. - A novelty hit, "Frig-O-Rator", was released in December 1985 on the Motown label by Roq-In' Zoo and featured sound bites of Bears game plays. The following year The Fridge was yet again remembered in a rap song, this time by the obscure Los Angeles-based hip-hop group Hard Machine who released the single "Refrigerator".
- In 2000, he was defeated by Bob SappBob SappRobert Malcolm "Bob" Sapp is an American kickboxer, mixed martial artist, professional wrestler, actor, comedian and former professional American football player. Sapp currently has a combined fight record of 21–21–0, mostly fighting in Japan...
in a toughmanToughman ContestThe Toughman Contest, founded in 1979 in Bay City, Michigan by boxing promoter Art Dore, is a chance for the novice amateur fighters to test themselves in the ring.-Format:...
boxing competition on FXFX NetworksFX is the name of a number of related pay television channels owned by News Corporation's Fox Entertainment Group...
. - In 2003, he appeared in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating ContestNathan's Hot Dog Eating ContestThe Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is an annual American competitive-eating competition, which is run as a publicity gathering event by Shea Communications. It is held each July 4 at Nathan's Famous Corporation's original, and best-known restaurant at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in...
as a "celebrity contestant". He stopped eating 5 minutes into the competition. This was parodied in an episode of TV FunhouseTV FunhouseSaturday TV Funhouse is the title of a recurring skit on NBC's Saturday Night Live featuring cartoons created by longtime SNL writer Robert Smigel as well as a short-lived spinoff series TV Funhouse that ran on Comedy Central...
from the November 11, 2006 episode of Saturday Night LiveSaturday Night LiveSaturday Night Live is a live American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show developed by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title of NBC's Saturday Night.The show's sketches often parody contemporary American culture...
in which Takeru KobayashiTakeru Kobayashiis a Japanese competitive eater. He held the world record for hot dog eating for nearly six years, and holds several other eating records, including four Guinness Records for hot dogs, meatballs, hamburgers, and pasta....
plays a hot dog eating superhero. After Kobayashi saves the day by eating a lot of hot dogs, a cartoon William Perry makes an appearance saying "Damn!" in Japanese. - In 2003, he appeared in a TV movie by Comedy CentralComedy CentralComedy Central is an American cable television and satellite television channel that carries comedy programming, both original and syndicated....
called Windy City HeatWindy City HeatWindy City Heat is a made for TV reality film produced by Comedy Central. It first aired on October 12, 2003 and is shown in repeats. The DVD was released on September 26, 2006.-Background:...
, where a man named Perry Caravello was made to believe he was acting in a major motion picture. - He starred in a commercial in the 1980s with Jim McMahonJim McMahonJames Robert "Jim" McMahon, Jr. is a former American football player. He played college football at Brigham Young University, where he was a two-time All-American and later in the professional ranks with the Chicago Bears, San Diego Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona...
, fellow Chicago BearsChicago BearsThe Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
teammate for Coke Classic and CokeNew CokeNew Coke was the reformulation of Coca-Cola introduced in 1985 by The Coca-Cola Company to replace the original formula of its flagship soft drink, Coca-Cola...
. - Appears on the Chef TonyChef TonyAnthony "Chef Tony" Notaro is a successful infomercial pitchman. Since his beginnings in the 1970s, he has risen to become one of the most successful infomercial hosts in history.-Products:...
infomercialInfomercialInfomercials are direct response television commercials which generally include a phone number or website. There are long-form infomercials, which are typically between 15 and 30 minutes in length, and short-form infomercials, which are typically 30 seconds to 120 seconds in length. Infomercials...
endorsing My Rotisserie in a number of acted scenes where he plays poker with his friends, while singing the praises of the kitchen appliance. - He made a guest appearance in the '80s TV show The A-TeamThe A-TeamThe A-Team is an American action adventure television series about a fictional group of ex-United States Army Special Forces personnel who work as soldiers of fortune, while on the run from the Army after being branded as war criminals for a "crime they didn't commit". The A-Team was created by...
. In the 21st episode of the 4th season ('The Trouble with Harry') "Fridge" signs in to the same hospital The A-Team is using to help their friend Harry recover. Throughout the episode, Perry only has a few lines (including the funny: "They'll never catch him," referring to his NFL playing days), but he gives out 'Bears' caps in the final scene. B. A. BaracusB. A. BaracusSergeant Bosco Albert "B. A." Baracus is a fictional character in the 1980s action/adventure television series The A-Team, played by Mr. T. B. A. Baracus appeared on The A-Team from the series beginning in 1983 until its cancellation in 1987. He is arguably the breakout character of the series...
and Hulk HoganHulk HoganTerrance Gene "Terry" Bollea , better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American Semi-retired professional wrestler, actor, television personality, and musician currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling ....
(who guest starred in the episode as well) react angrily when they don't get a cap, but the large sized Perry is able to calm them down with his huge smile. - He also made a short appearance in the opening of According to JimAccording to JimAccording to Jim is an American sitcom television series starring Jim Belushi in the title role as a suburban father of three children. It originally ran on ABC from October 3, 2001 to June 2, 2009.-Synopsis:Jim is an abrasive but lovable suburban father...
(Season 8, Episode 15).
After he retired as a player, Perry founded his own small commodity hedge fund in his native South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
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. On April 22, 2009, Perry was hospitalized in South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
in serious condition from his Guillain-Barré syndrome
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Guillain–Barré syndrome , sometimes called Landry's paralysis, is an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy , a disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system. Ascending paralysis, weakness beginning in the feet and hands and migrating towards the trunk, is the most typical symptom...
. Perry spent approximately a month in the hospital before being released. At one point his weight fell to 190 lb (86.2 kg), before going back up to 275 lb (124.7 kg).
During Super Bowl XLIV
Super Bowl XLIV
Super Bowl XLIV was an American football game between the American Football Conference champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference champion New Orleans Saints to decide the National Football League champion for the 2009 season. The Saints defeated the Colts by a score of...
, Perry joined other members of the 1985 Chicago Bears in resurrecting the Super Bowl Shuffle
Super Bowl Shuffle
"The Super Bowl Shuffle" is a rap song performed by players of the Chicago Bears football team during 1985, slightly prior to their win in Super Bowl XX.-Song and video:...
in a Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is a brand of wireless prepay service run by Sprint Nextel, operating within the Sprint Prepaid Group along with Virgin Mobile USA, Assurance Wireless, and payLo by Virgin Mobile. Boost Mobile uses GSMand iDEN networks...
commercial.
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
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Guillain–Barré syndrome , sometimes called Landry's paralysis, is an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy , a disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system. Ascending paralysis, weakness beginning in the feet and hands and migrating towards the trunk, is the most typical symptom...
. He had lost more than one hundred pounds (100 lb (45.4 kg)), but was, by this time, back up to 330 lb (149.7 kg).
In February 2011, ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
ran a somber article about him, citing ongoing health and drinking problems, and a weight of 400 pounds (181.4 kg).
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.
After his NFL career, The Fridge also does paid corporate appearances and autograph signings. His official website is www.Fridge72.com.
Sources
- Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Sun-TimesThe Chicago Sun-Times is an American daily newspaper published in Chicago, Illinois. It is the flagship paper of the Sun-Times Media Group.-History:The Chicago Sun-Times is the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the city...
article "Sweetness in the words of old duet with Fridge", Monday 8 November 1999, page 97. - Roq-In' Zoo, "Frig-O-Rator", 12 inch single, Motown 4554MG, December 1985.
- Hard Machine, "Refrigerator". 12 inch single, On The Spot NRS-112, 1986.