Bears legend William ‘Refrigerator’ Perry hospitalized in Chicago

Not even a leg infection that has since hospitalized William “Refrigerator” Perry could keep the legendariy Bears defensive tackle from attending his first game in Chicago in years, according to WLS-TV.

The 53-year-old checked into Northwestern Memorial Hospital on Friday for medication relating to his diabetes and other health concerns, his brother told the local ABC affiliate, and doctors discovered a leg infection. He was reportedly given permission to attend Sunday’s finale against the Detroit Lions with the promise he return to the hospital afterwards. He remained hospitalized on Tuesday, WLS-TV reported.

Perry watched the game from a wheelchair on the sidelines before retreating to a team suite. He received a standing ovation from Chicago fans who remember his contributions to the Bears from 1985-93.

Perry was visiting the city from his home in a South Carolina retirement community. According to WLS-TV, the family was “in dispute about when he will be able to go home” on Tuesday. However, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Wednesday that Perry is “in danger of having a leg amputated.” More from the Sun-Times:

‘‘I can’t feel my feet, from here on down,’’ Perry told the paper at the Bears-Lions game, pointing to his shin. ‘‘My hands, either. I’m fighting back. Get stronger. Keep living.’’

Now reportedly weighing in at more than 425 pounds, Perry also had a serious health scare in 2008, when he battled Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder in which the immune system attacks the body’s nerves.

– – – – – – –

Ben Rohrbach is a contributor for Ball Don’t Lie and Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @brohrbach