William 'The Refrigerator' Perry in Serious Condition in South Carolina Hospital

According to the Chicago Sun Times, William “The Refrigerator” Perry — the former defensive lineman who captured the hearts of Chicago Bears fans in 1985 when he rumbled for a one-yard touchdown in his Monday Night Football debut — is in serious condition in a South Carolina hospital after suffering from symptoms of a chronic illness.

A relative said he is expected to recover.

The 46-year-old Perry, who resides in his native Aiken, S.C., was diagnosed last June with Guillain-Barré syndrome and hospitalized for five months. He used a wheelchair during his rehabilitation.

Purnell Perry told the Sun-Times in a phone interview that his uncle entered the hospital more than a week ago because of complications related to the illness, and is expected to make a full recovery.

“They were making sure he was in pretty good health before they started treating him,” said Purnell Perry.

A spokeswoman for Aiken Regional Medical Center said Perry is in serious condition, but declined to elaborate.

There is no cure for Guillain-Barré syndrome, but treatments are available that can ease the symptoms and duration.

Perry played ten seasons in the NFL — eight of them with the Bears and two with the Philadelphia Eagles. He earned the nickname “The Refrigerator” for his intimidating 6-foot-2, 350-pound frame. He won a Super Bowl ring his rookie year with the 1985 Bears, scoring a touchdown in the game.