Professional Career
In 1985, he was selected in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears; he had been hand-picked by coach Mike Ditka, however defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, who had a highly acrimonious relationship with Ditka, referred to Perry as a "wasted draft-pick". Perry soon became a pawn in the political power struggle between Ditka and Ryan.
Perry's "Refrigerator" nickname followed him into the NFL and he quickly became a favorite of the Chicago Bears fans. While Ryan refused to play Perry, Ditka decided to use used Perry as a fullback when the team was near the opponents' goal line or in 4th and short situations, either as a ball carrier or a lead blocker for star running back Walter Payton. Ditka stated the inspiration for using Perry as a fullback came to him during five-yard sprint exercises. During his rookie season, Perry rushed for 2 touchdowns and caught a pass for one. 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. About halfway through his rookie season, Ryan finally began to play Perry, who soon proved that he was a capable defensive lineman.
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 went on to play for ten years in the NFL, retiring after the 1994 season. In his 10 years as a pro, he regularly struggled with his weight, which hampered his performance at times. He played in 138 games, recording 29.5 sacks and 5 fumble recoveries, which he returned for a total of 71 yards. In his offensive career he ran 5 yards for 2 TDs. Perry later attempted a comeback, playing an unremarkable 1996 season with the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football (later NFL Europa).
Read more about this topic: William Perry (American Football)
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