Perry, Michael Dean
Football
b. Aug. 27, 1965, Aiken, SC
Although he was not initially as well known as his older and bigger brother, William "the Refrigerator," Perry became recognized as one of the NFL's best defensive tackles soon after joining the Cleveland Browns as a second-round draft choice out of Clemson University in 1988.
At Clemson, Michael Dean broke William's ACC career records for sacks (28) and tackles for a loss (61). With The Browns, the 6-foot-1, 285-pounder was one of the league's best interior pass rushers because of his quickness and speed. Perry was named the American Football Conference defensive player of the year by United Press International in 1989, when he had 7 quarterback sacks and 2 fumble recoveries. He topped that with 11 ½ sacks in 1990.
He went to the Denver Broncos in 1995 and played with them through 1997. After one game with Denver in 1998, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs, but his playing time was limited by injury and he retired after that season.
Perry was named to The Sporting News All-Pro team four years in a row, from 1989 through 1992, and he played in six Pro Bowls. He had 61 career sacks in the NFL.
During his seven seasons with the Browns, he had 47½ sacks.