1985 Bears Coverage: Another William Perry finds some new kicks in life

Every day of the 2015 Chicago Bears season, Chicago Sun-Times Sports will revisit its coverage 30 years ago during the 1985 Bears’ run to a Super Bowl title.

Another William Perry finds some new kicks in life

Sun-Times Staff

Originally published Dec. 24, 1985

Meet William “the Ice Box” Perry, who’s enjoying new fame.

But because he’s older than his football-playing namesake, he’s not known as the Refrigerator, explained Perry, who is principal of Conant High School in Hoffman Estates.

Since the Refrigerator gained fame, the principal says, he’s been hearing “Hey! There goes the Refrigerator” in school halls. And when the lifelong Bears fan presents a credit card or driver’s license, people do double takes.

This Perry is 5 feet 11, 3 inches shorter than the Fridge. And he weighs about 100 pounds less than the Galloping Roast.

“It’s kind of ironic,” said the 47-year-old Perry.

“Something happens, and all of a sudden you get the recognition. People want to draw comparisons, but there’s no comparison.”

This Perry does get an extra kick out of Bears games.

“I’ve always been a Bears fan, but now there is more emphasis on it. I never miss a game,” he said. “Everyone goes bananas when Perry gets on the field, and I get just as excited.”

Walter Mitty never had it so good.