Autographs and memories: 'The Fridge' meets and greets fans in Aiken

Jun. 7—AIKEN — One of Aiken's biggest names in area sports history was in the spotlight June 6, signing autographs and stirring memories linked to such names as Walter Payton, Danny Ford and Mike Ditka.

William Perry, known to many as "The Fridge," was a multi-sport standout at Aiken High School, a starter on the first Clemson University football team to win a national championship, and one of the most prominent names in the Chicago Bears' sole Super Bowl victory, capping the 1985-86 season.

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Perry, assisted by family members, visited H. Odell Weeks Activities Center on Saturday, sharing memories and wielding Sharpies in personalizing a variety of souvenirs, from photos to caps and jerseys.

He did not grant interviews with the media.

Unusual items in the mix included a VHS tape brought by former Chicago-area residents Tom and Sue Briatico, who were in Bears country for the Super Bowl season. Perry autographed the cover for their version of "The Super Bowl Shuffle: The Chicago Bears Shufflin' Crew," which had team members performing a rap song en route to their 46-10 thumping of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX, played in New Orleans.

Jackson resident Ralph Thomas, one of Perry's Aiken High teammates, said he appreciated the chance to see Perry again. He also got the chance to introduce him to his son, Symiear, 13, who is a part of the football and basketball programs at Silver Bluff High.

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Perry's background at Aiken High also included standout roles in the basketball and track programs. His nickname came from "an elevator ride during his Clemson years," as noted in a Sports Illustrated report.

"When he stepped out of the elevator, his immense frame blocked all of the elevator's light and a friend said he looked like a walking refrigerator. Drafted in the first round (22nd overall) by the Chicago Bears, Perry recorded 29.5 sacks, three touchdowns and history's largest Super Bowl ring (size 25 compared to the average man's size 10) through his 10-year NFL career."

Perry, as a rookie, weighed about 350 pounds and played a central role role in one of Super Bowl XX's most celebrated moments. A website for Clemson fans notes, "When they reached first and goal at the 1-yard line late in the third quarter, that decision was one which would never be forgotten by football fans. Quarterback Jim McMahon gave the ball to Perry, lining up unexpectedly at a position of fullback amid the Bears' goal-line package. Pounding through the Patriots' defense, Perry, at roughly 335 pounds, took the handoff, lowered his pads, powered through a defender, plowed over on his way to the end zone."

The summary notes, "The crowd at the Louisiana Superdome roared as he crossed the line and punctuated the occasion with a celebratory spike. That touchdown was more than a score — it was a spectacle, and it was the highlight of a game that was already dominated by Chicago's ruthless defense.Perry's run put the score 44 — 3, and though the outcome was never doubted, that play marked an image of swagger and ascendancy for that Bears team. For Perry, it was the culmination of a season that had already raised him to a cult status."