William Perry | Biography, Age, Stats & Super Bowl Legacy

William Perry is a former American football defensive tackle best known as “The Refrigerator,” the larger-than-life Chicago Bears player who helped win Super Bowl XX.

Born in Aiken, South Carolina, on December 16, 1962, Perry became a national sports figure through his powerful defensive play and rare goal-line role, including a memorable touchdown in the Bears’ 1986 championship win.

He is 63 years old as of 2026.

Who Is William Perry?

William Anthony Perry is a retired professional football player who spent most of his NFL career with the Chicago Bears. He became famous for his size and strength as a defensive tackle, as well as for the unusual role he played on offense during the Bears’ dominant 1985 season.

Full name	William Anthony Perry
Date of birth	December 16, 1962
Age	63 years old as of 2026
Birthplace	Aiken, South Carolina, United States
Listed height	6 feet 2 inches
Playing weight	Often listed at about 335 pounds, with some variation by season
Position	Defensive tackle and defensive end, with occasional short-yardage fullback duties
College	Clemson University
NFL draft	1985 first round, 22nd overall pick by the Chicago Bears
NFL teams	Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles
Later team	London Monarchs in 1996
Bears jersey	No. 72 for most of his time with Chicago
NFL career	138 games and 29.5 sacks
Best-known achievement	Super Bowl XX champion with the Chicago Bears

How Old Is William Perry in 2026?

William Perry was 63 years old as of 2026, based on his birth date of December 16, 1962. He turns 64 on December 16, 2026, after this article’s publication date.

Is William Perry Still Alive?

William Perry is understood to be living as of publication, and the reliable sources reviewed for this biography did not report his death. A false death rumor circulated online in 2013, but Clemson football and his brother corrected it. Recent authoritative updates are limited, so readers should be cautious with social media claims.

Where Did William Perry Grow Up and Play College Football?

Perry was born in Aiken, South Carolina, and attended Aiken High School before choosing Clemson University. He joined the Clemson Tigers in 1981 and helped the team win the national championship as a freshman. His college career established him as one of the country’s leading defensive linemen.

From 1982 to 1984, Perry earned All-ACC recognition in each season and became Clemson’s first three-time All-American. In 1984, he was named Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year after recording 27 tackles for loss and 100 total tackles. Those results made him a major prospect before the NFL draft.

Why Was William Perry Called The Refrigerator?

Perry’s nickname began at Clemson in 1981, when teammate Ray Brown noticed how much space the large freshman took up in a dorm elevator. Brown first called him “G.E.” because he was as big as a refrigerator.

Clemson staff later switched to the general nickname “Refrigerator” after compliance officials raised concerns that the original name could sound like an endorsement of General Electric.

The name quickly became “The Fridge,” and national football coverage helped it stick. The nickname was tied to Perry’s size, but it also became part of his public image because he was unusually quick and athletic for a player who was often listed at more than 300 pounds.

How Did William Perry Join the Chicago Bears?

The Chicago Bears selected Perry with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft.

The 1985 Chicago Bears were building one of the league’s most memorable defenses, and head coach Mike Ditka sometimes used Perry as a fullback near the goal line. That unusual role helped turn the rookie into a household name.

Perry’s major career milestones include the following:

• He helped Clemson win the 1981 national championship as a freshman.
• He earned All-American honors three times and All-ACC honors three times.
• He was named ACC Player of the Year in 1984.
• The Bears selected him 22nd overall in the 1985 NFL Draft.
• He became a Super Bowl champion with Chicago in the 1985 season.

What Are William Perry’s NFL Stats?

Perry played 138 regular-season NFL games and recorded 29.5 sacks. He also recovered five fumbles and contributed in short-yardage situations on offense. His NFL record includes time with Chicago and Philadelphia.

He finished his NFL career with three offensive touchdowns, two rushing and one receiving. His value to Chicago also came from occupying blockers and creating room for teammates on defense.

What Happened When William Perry Scored in Super Bowl XX?

Perry’s most famous play was a one-yard touchdown run in Super Bowl XX on January 26, 1986, when the Chicago Bears faced the New England Patriots. Chicago was already well ahead when Ditka sent Perry into the game near the goal line.

Perry took a handoff from quarterback Jim McMahon and powered into the end zone for a score that became one of the defining images of the 46 to 10 victory.

Earlier in the game, Perry had been given a chance on a trick play, but he was tackled for a loss after the passing option was covered. His later scoring run became a lasting football moment because a defensive lineman, known for his enormous frame, finished a championship game with an offensive touchdown.

What Were William Perry’s Height, Weight, and Jersey Number?

Perry was listed at 6 feet 2 inches tall and around 335 pounds during his playing career, although team and historical listings sometimes show different weights for different seasons. He wore No. 72 for most of his time with the Bears.

His number and nickname became closely linked to the 1985 championship team and remain recognizable to fans looking for vintage jerseys, cards, and other memorabilia.

Who Was William Perry’s Wife and How Many Children Does He Have?

Historical profiles identify Sherry Broadwater as Perry’s wife during his early football years, and later biographical listings report that he has four children. A 1985 profile mentioned their young daughter, Latavia, while describing the family during Perry’s rise to national fame.

Perry has kept much of his family life outside the public eye. Reliable, recent reporting does not clearly establish his current marital status, so older references should not be treated as confirmation of his relationship status today.

What Health Problems Has William Perry Faced?

Public reporting has documented serious health challenges for Perry, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, a disorder that affects the nerves, and diabetes. In January 2016, he was hospitalized for treatment of a leg infection. Reports at the time also described mobility problems, while later coverage noted that he said he was improving after treatment.

These are historical reports, not a current medical assessment. No reliable recent source reviewed for this article provides a complete update on Perry’s present health, so it would be misleading to describe old diagnoses or hospital stays as a full picture of his condition today.

What Is William Perry’s Net Worth and Career Earnings?

No reliable public source verifies Perry’s current net worth or total career earnings. Online estimates often lack a clear method, so a precise dollar amount would be speculative. NFL contracts, endorsements, and appearances contributed to his income, but public records do not reveal his complete assets, debts, taxes, or expenses.

During his rookie season, Perry appeared in a McDonald’s commercial with Bears teammates. That exposure shows how quickly he became a marketable sports figure, but it does not establish his lifetime earnings or net worth.

Did William Perry Play for the Eagles and London Monarchs?

After most of his career with Chicago, Perry played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1993 and 1994. He then returned to the field with the London Monarchs in 1996, in the World League of American Football. That overseas season came after his NFL career had ended and gave him one more chapter in professional football.

Perry’s path was unusual for a player whose biggest fame came from one championship season. He moved from a leading NFL team to a short European league stint, while his name remained familiar to fans because of his role with Chicago.

What Did William Perry Do at WrestleMania?

Perry appeared in the NFL player and WWE superstar battle royal at WrestleMania 2 in 1986. He was a guest participant rather than a full-time professional wrestler. His size and celebrity made him a natural fit for the crossover event, which brought football players into the wrestling ring.

In 2006, WWE inducted Perry into its celebrity wing of the WWE Hall of Fame. The honor recognized his WrestleMania appearance and public profile, not a career as a regular WWE performer.

Is William Perry in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Perry has not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, according to the current player records reviewed for this article. That is separate from his recognition elsewhere. Clemson inducted him into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002, and he was later recognized by the WWE Hall of Fame.

His legacy is strongest as a memorable member of the 1985 Bears and as a college star at Clemson. His Super Bowl touchdown helped make him one of the most recognizable players from that championship team, even though his NFL statistical record differs from that of many Hall of Fame defensive linemen.

Where Is William Perry Now?

Reliable public information about Perry’s current residence and daily activities is limited. Reports from 2015 and 2016 placed him in South Carolina, but they do not confirm where he lives today.

For William Perry news in 2026, the clearest verified details remain his football record, Clemson honors, Super Bowl moment, and previously reported health challenges. Claims about a new home, foundation, business, or public appearance need a trustworthy source.

Readers who followed William Perry’s journey may also enjoy the biographies of Stefon Diggs, Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua, DK Metcalf, Antonio Brown, Braxton Berrios, Henry Ruggs, Patrick Mahomes, Nick Mangold, Tyreek Hill, and Odell Beckham Jr..

Conclusion

William Perry remains one of the most recognizable players from the Bears’ 1985 championship season. His size, defensive play, Clemson achievements, and famous Super Bowl touchdown secured his place in football history. Reliable details about his current life and finances remain limited.