William Refrigerator Perry in Serious Condition

CHICAGO (AP) - Former Chicago Bears defensive lineman William "The Refrigerator" Perry was in serious condition at a South Carolina hospital, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday.


William "The Refrigerator" Perry of the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XX, which the Bears won. (Mike Powell / Getty Images)
Perry, 46, was hospitalized to deal with complications from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a chronic inflammation disorder of the peripheral nerves, the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune reported.

Aiken Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Melissa Summer declined to give additional details.

Perry's nephew, Purnell Perry, told the Sun-Times his uncle was admitted more than a week ago but was expected to recover.

Perry was a 300-pound plus defensive tackle for the Bears' 1985 Super Bowl team and became famous when then coach Mike Ditka used him as a short-yardage fullback on goal-line plays. Perry crashed into the end zone for a touchdown in the Bears' victory over New England in the 1986 Super Bowl.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when immune system cells mistakenly attack nerve cells that support the muscles. Symptoms include weakness or tingling in the legs, which may spread to the arms and upper body. In the most severe cases, GBS can lead to paralysis and death.