The Refrigerator

William “The Refrigerator” Perry attended yesterday’s Bears’ game, to the delight of fans who saw him.  That wouldn’t have included me.

Perry played on the defensive line for the Bears, 1985-1993.  Somehow, he played well, despite having to haul 335-plus pounds around on a 6’2” frame.  Other players that size might have looked sculpted; Perry looked fat to obese.  His love of food was treated both as a joke and an endorsement tool.  Who knows how long he could have played with an understanding of conditioning.

Looking at Perry, I couldn’t help but see a human being out of control.  After his career ended, Perry ballooned to over 400 pounds, which had to be a contributing factor to his diabetes if not his alcoholism.  Several years ago, he came down with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a condition that affects the nervous system.  It should have come as no surprise that Perry didn’t walk into Soldier Field.  He was pushed in a wheel chair.

Back when he played, I wanted Perry to exhibit more self-control over his body and his health.  Now, I just want to know what the NFL is doing for him.  Ditto the Bears.  One of the McCaskeys gave Perry a jersey with his old number on it.  No. 72 needs considerably more; he’s broke and living in some sort of retirement community down South.  I can only hope the family that benefitted so much from William Perry is quietly underwriting at least part of his care.