Former NFL player speaks to SHS athletes

SIKESTON - A "refrigerator" was awarded the key to the city of Sikeston on Tuesday morning at the Brown Shoe Company.

It wasn't the Kenmore or Whirlpool variety, but former Chicago Bears defensive linemen William "The Refrigerator" Perry.

Perry was in town as the official spokesperson for B.A.F. (Big Ass Fans), a vendor for Brown Shoe. Perry was presented a key to the city of Sikeston by Mayor Mike Marshall, as he signed autographs for the company employees.

In addition, Perry had lunch at Lambert's Cafe. The proceeds from the lunch were to be donated to the Kenny Rogers Children's Center. The "Fridge" also spoke with the local youth at the Sikeston High School and the YMCA After-

School Program. Perry ended his time in Sikeston with a dinner at the Country Club.

"Brown Shoe Company bought five fans from B.A.F. and they (B.A.F.) wanted to show Brown Shoe appreciation for their continued business," said Sikeston Director of Economic Development, Ed Dust. "Brown Shoe wanted to help the community a little bit and help themselves by having William Perry make an appearance throughout the community. Brown Shoe has been gracious enough to let us have him the rest of the day to kind of show our community off."

Perry was drafted in the first round of the 1985 National Football League Draft out of Clemson University by the Bears and head coach Mike Ditka. Perry received national acclaim in his rookie year when he scored the first rushing touchdown by a defensive player in a Super Bowl. The Bears crushed the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX in New Orleans, 46-10.

The Bears famously made a music video before the Super Bowl called the "Super Bowl Shuffle." Perry stated that a former University of Tennessee wide receiver came up with the idea.

"Willie Gault came up with the song," said Perry. "He asked players if we would like to participate and some did. We had fun with it. The song become very popular and because of it, I get to come to places like Sikeston and meet different people. I get to see different parts of the world and shake some hands and get a key to the city. It is wonderful, it's great."

Perry was 6-foot-2, 370 pounds during the peak of his playing career. Perry played nine years in the league and was a Pro-Bowl linemen. The "Fridge" is aptly named due to his size and square-looking body. Perry's Super Bowl ring is the largest of any football player in history, size 25.

The "Fridge" has fond memories of his old football coach with the Chicago Bears.

"It was great playing for Coach Ditka," said Perry. "He drafted me out of college and taught me a whole lot about life after football. He said a person is going to have a lot of ups and downs and making the big leagues. Only thing you can do now is go on with life. Treat people as you would be treated and have fun with it."

Perry patiently signed autographs for the Brown Shoe employees and they always ended with a handshake and a smile. Unlike many current professional athletes who sign without giving the fan any eye contact, the "Fridge" looked the person right in the eyes and many times, engaged in a little small talk while he signed.

Dust believed Perry is the perfect former athlete to talk to the town's young people.

"The "Fridge" was successful in athletics and we believe he can be an inspiration for these young men and women," said Dust. "He will show that athletics turned his life around and he is such a gracious guy to do this for us. He is so humble and he will show people that not all famous people are bad people."

The key to growing up the right way, according to Perry, is to listen to the authority figures in a youngster's life.

"When I was growing up," said Perry, "I always listened to my mom and dad. I would like the kids to just listen to their mom and dad. Kids also need to listen to their teachers and coaches and always do the right thing. They have to stay away from the drugs and all the bad company that might negatively influence a young person. Don't let your peers overwhelm you to try and do bad things. If kids keep their head right and get good grades, they can succeed."

Just like NBA legend Charles Barkely's classic commercial of "I am not a role model," Perry would like today's youth to find a role model closer to home.

"Teaching a kid right from wrong starts at home," said Perry, "not from the professional athletes. It starts with your mom and dad. Kids need to respect their parents. Kids try and make the professional athlete their role model, but sometimes the role model doesn't turn out to be what you want. Sometimes they get in trouble. It starts in the home. Listen to your parents and teachers and go from there."