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Tag: alex karras

  • Alex Karras Dies at 77, NFL Defensive Tackle

    If you are a fan of classic 1960s and 1970s football, I am sure you are aware of who Alex Karras was. Alex Karras was a well-known NFL player for the Detroit Lions, who unfortunately passed away today (October 10th, 2012).

    In 1958, Karras (from Gary, Indiana) joined the NFL and was drafted to the Detroit Lions, taking the position of “Defensive Tackle.” During his career with the Lions from 1958-1970, he became known as one of the NFL’s talented linesman, which helped give the Detroit Lions an edge in their game.

    After Karras’ NFL career, he got involved with acting. Below, I have provided some of Karras’ most well-known roles during his acting career (1969-1998):

    • “Mongo” in Blazing Saddles (1974)
    • “Mr. Hollenbeck” in Mulligan’s Stew (1977)
    • “Hans Brumbaugh” in Centennial (1978-1979)
    • “George Papadapolis” in Webster (1983-1989)
    • “Caparulo” in The Street Corner Kids: The Sequel (1995)

    Along with Karras’ acting career, from 1974-1976, he was also a broadcaster on ABC’s Monday Night Football show as a replacement for Fred Williamson.

    Yesterday, it was reported that Alex Karras only had a few days to live due to extensive kidney failure and dementia. Alex Karras has now passed away on October 10th, 2012, at the age of 77 due to these causes. Many fans of Karras have left their respects via Twitter:



  • Alex Karras Only Has Days To Live

    Alex Karras Only Has Days To Live

    Alex Karras, the former Detroit Lion and star of “Webster”, has been given days to live by his doctors after it was determined he is dying of kidney failure.

    Karras also suffers from dementia and has been engaged in a lawsuit with the NFL regarding the way head injuries were treated when he was playing. His wife, actress Susan Clark, says the 77-year old was diagnosed with the disease several years ago, but that in recent months his quality of life has suffered because of it. The couple were joined by several other former players in various suits against the NFL for the mishandling of injuries.

    “This physical beating that he took as a football player has impacted his life, and therefore it has impacted his family life,” Clark said earlier this year. “He is interested in making the game of football safer and hoping that other families of retired players will have a healthier and happier retirement.”

    The NFL has said they have taken steps over the years to ensure the safety of their players. The Lions issued a statement regarding Karras’ prognosis, saying, “The entire Detroit Lions family is deeply saddened to learn of the news regarding the condition of one of our all-time greats, Alex Karras. Perhaps no player in Lions history attained as much success and notoriety for what he did after his playing days as did Alex.”