Will 'Refrigerator' Perry's Super Bowl Ring Fetch a Price as Hefty As He Is?

Even if you’ve never set foot on an NFL field in your life, you, too, can own a Super Bowl ring just like hundreds of pro ballplayers who achieved victory in football’s ultimate contest. Just like the ones worn by the beloved 1985 world championship Chicago Bears.

In fact, the very one bestowed upon William “the Refrigerator” Perry — the largest one ever made.

The Fridge’s Super Bowl XX ring, size 25, is being auctioned off this week with a viewing at the National Sports Collectors Convention in suburban Chicago. Perry, drafted by the Bears in 1985, scored a touchdown on a one-yard run in that Super Bowl in a bit of inspired theater courtesy of head coach Mike Ditka.

But Perry has been in declining health due to Guillain-Barre syndrome, weight problems and alcoholism. He’s also suffered financial problems and nearly lost his home in North Carolina. Last month, he missed the 1985 Bears Super Bowl reunion in Chicago.

Bids will start at $16,000, but the auctioneers believe the ring could fetch $1 million.

Live Auctioneers, which specializes in art, antiques, jewelry and collectibles, describes the ring:

While it is widely known in the hobby that the ring was rather widely reproduced due to its crowd-pleasing absurdity, we can confirm definitively that this is the one and only original presented to Perry for his part in “shuffling” to Super Bowl XX victory along with Walter Payton, Jim McMahon and Mike Singletary.

The face of the ring is awash in genuine diamonds which allow just a hint of the navy blue stone beneath to peek through. Raised text at the perimeter trumpets the achievement: “1985 Chicago Bears World Champions.” Left shank announces “Perry” above a figural helmet and text reporting, “16-1, GSH, Attitude.”

Right shank reports the lopsided score, “Bears 46 Patriots 10″ above the logos of Super Bowl XX and the NFC, and a figural Lombardi Trophy.

Interior band is free of any stamping, a key factor in determining originality as Josten’s workers have confirmed that the massive size forced the sacrifice of their standard maker’s mark. Our jewelry department confirms, however, that the construction is ten karat (10k) gold.

The fortunate bidder will receive a letter of provenance from Perry and a photograph of Perry holding the ring and the letter. Viewing is under way at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, according to the Live Auctioneers website.

The ring was sold at least once before. In 2007, the ring sold at auction for $27,000. In 2011, a boy bought a William Perry ring (might’ve been a replica) in New York for $8,000 — and then gave the ring back to Perry.