TTM Stats
- Sent: 1/27/2022 | Received: 3/28/2022 | 61 Days
- ’90 Pro Set, ’91 Score, ’91 Upper Deck
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
William Perry is a former defensive tackle in the NFL. He played from 1985 to 1994 with the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles, then moved on to the the World League and played for the London Monarchs in 1996.
Perry was born on December 16, 1962, in Aiken, South Carolina, as one of twelve children. Growing up in a large, close-knit family, Perry was known for his gentle nature despite his imposing size. By the time he was in high school, Perry was already a formidable athlete, excelling in football at Aiken High School, where he became a standout player thanks to his speed, strength, and agility—an unusual combination for someone of his size.
After a successful high school career, Perry earned a scholarship to Clemson University, where he played for the Clemson Tigers. It was at Clemson that Perry’s talent truly began to shine. Under head coach Danny Ford, Perry anchored a dominant defense, helping lead the Tigers to a National Championship in 1981. His college success, along with his unique physical attributes, caught the attention of NFL scouts and set the stage for his professional career.
In the 1985 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected him with the 22nd overall pick in the first round. At 6-foot-2 and weighing around 335 pounds, Perry was one of the largest players in the league, and his arrival in Chicago coincided with one of the most memorable seasons in NFL history. Perry quickly earned the nickname “The Refrigerator,” or “The Fridge” for short, due to his immense size and strength.
While he was primarily drafted as a defensive tackle, Bears head coach Mike Ditka saw potential for Perry on the offensive side of the ball as well. Perry’s surprising agility for his size led to one of the most memorable moments of the 1985 season: Perry being used as a running back in goal-line situations. The image of Perry barreling into the end zone, carrying defenders with him, became one of the defining visuals of the Bears’ historic 1985 season. That year, the Bears finished with a 15-1 record and went on to win Super Bowl XX, where Perry scored a touchdown in the 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots. His touchdown in the Super Bowl remains one of the most famous plays in NFL history, further cementing his status as a cultural icon.
Following the Super Bowl victory, Perry became a national sensation. His larger-than-life persona transcended football, leading to numerous television appearances, commercials, and even a spot on the popular TV show “The A-Team.” Perry’s popularity also extended to the world of professional wrestling, where he appeared in WrestleMania 2 as part of a battle royal featuring both NFL players and professional wrestlers.
Perry’s NFL career continued until 1994, during which he played with the Bears and briefly with the Philadelphia Eagles. Although his role on the field evolved over time, with fewer offensive appearances, he remained a beloved figure in the league due to his charisma and the indelible mark he had left during his early years.
After retiring from the NFL, Perry faced significant challenges, including health issues and financial difficulties. His battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, took a toll on his health, leading to mobility issues later in life. Despite these struggles, Perry remained a beloved figure among fans and his peers, often appearing at NFL events and continuing to inspire with his story of perseverance.
William Perry’s legacy in the NFL is about more than just his memorable nickname and iconic touchdown runs. He was part of one of the greatest teams in NFL history and became a symbol of a time when football was both a sport and a spectacle. Perry’s ability to break the mold—being a massive defensive player who could also contribute on offense—made him a trailblazer in the game.
Beyond football, Perry’s life serves as a reminder of the challenges that athletes often face after their playing days are over. His story is one of triumph and hardship, of a man who captured the hearts of millions with his personality and play but also faced personal battles that tested his strength off the field.
Today, William “The Refrigerator” Perry remains a beloved figure in the NFL community. His contributions to the game, particularly during that unforgettable 1985 season, are etched in the annals of football history. And while he may have struggled with health and financial issues later in life, his enduring legacy as “The Fridge” continues to inspire fans and players alike—a symbol of what it means to be larger than life, both on and off the field.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the first return, check out my post from November 2019.
The Score on William Perry – 6.5
I feel like any return from “The Fridge” is a great return. There is a bit of a smudge on the Upper Deck card that came back in this return, but I’ll take whatever I can get from this football icon. I think the best of the bunch is the 1991 Score card because it gives the autograph the best chance to be seen.
Thanks Mr. Perry! I’m giving this return a 6.5.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Pro Football Reference.