'Fridge' has hearing loss, but condition improving

[June 22, 2010]  COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The brother of former NFL star William Perry says the "Fridge" has some hearing loss but is improving from a condition in which the body's immune system attacks nerves.

Fellow NFL standout Michael Dean Perry said Monday his 47-year-old brother has regained most of his strength and is back up to about 330 pounds as he recovers in his South Carolina home.

Michael Dean Perry says his brother lost more than 100 pounds since he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome last year. William Perry spent time at a North Carolina rehab center before moving back home.

William Perry played 10 seasons in the NFL. The lineman became a national celebrity during his rookie season with Chicago in 1985, helping the Bears to a Super Bowl title.

[Associated Press]

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