William Perry was a big man on campus Monday.
The 335-pound defensive lineman reported to the Bears` training camp at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, exchanged handshakes, high-fives and playful barbs with teammates and coaches and then went through his first training camp practice in two years.
”I feel great. I`m happy and pleased just to go back to work,” said the agile Perry, who began his workout with the running backs, nonchalantly high- stepping through a rope drill.
”(The contract talks) just took time. You`ve got to be patient and I was patient and everybody was patient with me. Everything turned out fine.”
Perry, who said he fished and vacationed with his wife and daughter during the off-season, ended his contract holdout after signing a three-year deal late Sunday night.
Safety Shaun Gayle also agreed to terms Monday and will join his teammates Tuesday.
Three players remain out of camp, unsigned first-round draft picks Trace Armstrong and Donnell Woolford and defensive tackle Steve McMichael, who is seeking a restructured contract.
Perry comported himself well on the practice field despite carrying some excess baggage around the waist.
”I`m not worried about that. People are going to talk,” said Perry of concerns about his conditioning.
”William likes to play football. He`s got no problem going through training camp,” said defensive coordinator Vince Tobin. ”It has never been that he doesn`t want to work when he`s on the football field. He likes to play. Like anyone in training camp he needs to get in better shape, but he doesn`t look bad for the first day.
”I don`t think he is any heavier than what he was in mini-camp, which is down from what he was last year. I think he needs to continue to work to get as light as he can. I think that would make him a better football player. I think he knows that and we know that.”
This season could represent a fresh beginning for Perry, who missed last year`s training camp while spending time at a center for eating disorders.
”You`ve got to feel good about it,” Perry said. ”You come in here to practice and get ready for the season. The season is long and it is hard. If you come in with the right frame of mind . . . you just get ready to play.”
”He`s got some quickness; he`s an excellent athlete,” said Tobin. ”A lot of things happened last year after he broke his arm that were all negative. Last year was a washout from the training camp on. Now he wants that year to be behind him.”
The Bears plan to shift Perry back to tackle. He was moved to left end last year before breaking his arm in the third game, against Minnesota.
”It doesn`t make any difference. Whatever it takes for the Chicago Bears to win, I`m happy to oblige them,” Perry said. ”Playing tackle, end, linebacker . . . it doesn`t make any difference.
”I don`t have to prove myself. I just have to go out there and play and help the Bears.”
Bears coaches were all smiles at the sight of No. 72 back on the practice field. Head coach Mike Ditka earlier had threatened a Monday night deadline for Perry to sign a contract and get into camp. Safety Dave Duerson also practiced for the first time on Monday.
”I was enthused by William being here,” Tobin said. ”I would like to see all of our good players here. William and David are here for the first time and I`m happy to have them.”
Regarding talks and consultations with Perry regarding his lack of communication with the organization and monitoring his weight, Tobin said:
”I think the talking is really over with. He knows where he has to be and no amount of talk is going to change what he is going to do. He`s old enough to monitor himself. As long as he is playing effectively, we`re not going to be concerned with exact numbers of what he weighs. But if he is not playing effectively, then we`re going to play somebody else. Talking isn`t going to do the job.”
