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What is William “Refrigerator” Perry’s Net Worth?
William “Refrigerator” Perry, a former professional football player, has a net worth of $50 thousand. Despite his athletic achievements and early success with the Chicago Bears, Perry faced financial and health issues after retirement.
Highlights
- Played 10 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the Chicago Bears
- Helped the Bears win their first and only Super Bowl title in his rookie season in 1985
- Nicknamed “Refrigerator” due to his size
- Heaviest player ever to score a touchdown in a Super Bowl
- Struggled with health, financial, and alcohol issues in retirement
Early Life
William Perry was born on December 16, 1962, in Aiken, South Carolina. He was the tenth of 12 children of Inez, a school dietitian, and Hollie, a house painter. Perry grew up as a hefty kid, already weighing 200 pounds by the age of 11. To combat bullies, he channeled his physique into athletics.
At Aiken High School, Perry played as a nose guard on the football team and also excelled in track and field. He showcased his speed in a 100-yard dash exercise and posted an impressive throw in shot put.
Career
Perry received a full-ride scholarship to Clemson University, where he played for the Tigers football team from 1981 to 1984. During his freshman year, Clemson went undefeated and won the Orange Bowl, earning Perry the nickname “Refrigerator” due to his size. He was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American as a junior.
In the 1985 NFL Draft, Perry was chosen in the first round by the Chicago Bears. Although he initially faced resistance from defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, he became a crucial player for the Bears. Perry played as a fullback in certain situations and eventually proved himself as a formidable defensive lineman. The Bears won Super Bowl XX in his rookie season, with Perry scoring a touchdown and receiving the largest Super Bowl ring in history.
Perry continued playing with the Bears until the 1993 season, struggling with weight issues that affected his performance. He concluded his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1993 and 1994 but could not replicate his earlier success. Perry also made appearances in other media, such as WWF and the television series “The A-Team.”
Personal Life
William Perry has been married twice and has four children. Unfortunately, he has encountered significant health and personal challenges in his life. In 2007, Perry was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, followed by hospitalization in serious condition in 2009. He has struggled with ongoing drinking problems and weight gain.
Due to his health issues, Perry now resides in a retirement home after being confined to his late father’s home for some time. He receives support from his younger brother Michael.
Net Worth Over Time
Perry’s net worth has experienced significant fluctuations over time. Despite earning a considerable income during his playing career, financial mismanagement and IRS debt have taken a toll on his finances. He has been forced to auction off prized possessions, including his Super Bowl ring, to pay off debts.
Components of Net Worth
Perry’s net worth is comprised of various assets and factors:
- Earnings from his NFL career and related endorsements
- Income from appearances in other media, such as wrestling and television shows
- Investments and other financial assets
- Retirement funds, including his NFL pension
- Current value of any remaining assets
It is important to note that Perry’s unfortunate financial struggles may have had a significant impact on his net worth, resulting in the comparatively low figure of $50 thousand.
In conclusion, William “Refrigerator” Perry’s net worth stands at $50 thousand. Despite his initial success and achievements in the football world, he has encountered numerous challenges in retirement, including financial difficulties and health issues. Perry’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of financial management and responsible handling of wealth, even for high-earning individuals.