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Alex Karras, former All-Pro defensive lineman, actor, dies at 77
CBS Sports ^
| October 10, 2012
Posted on 10/10/2012 8:11:07 AM PDT by Zakeet
Alex Karras, the rugged lineman who anchored the Detroit Lions' defense in the 1960s, then went on to an acting career in which he starred in the sitcom Webster and famously punched a horse in the 1974 comedy Blazing Saddles, died Wednesday. He was 77.
Karras, who had recently suffered kidney failure, died at home in Los Angeles surrounded by family members, said Craig Mitnick, Karras' attorney.
Diagnosed with dementia, Karras in April joined the more than 3,500 former NFL players suing the league for not protecting them better from head injuries, immediately becoming one of the best-known names in the legal fight.
Detroit drafted Karras with the 10th overall pick in 1958 out of Iowa and he was a four-time All-Pro defensive tackle over 12 seasons with the franchise.
He was a terror on the field, using a variety of moves to push around opposing linemen and get into the backfield. His Lions handed the powerful 1962 Green Bay Packers their only defeat that season, a 26-14 upset on Thanksgiving during which they harassed quarterback Bart Starr constantly.
Packers guard Jerry Kramer wrote in his diary of the 1967 season about his trepidation over having to play Karras.
"I'm thinking about him every minute," Kramer wrote.
For all his prowess on the field, Karras may have gained more fame when he turned to acting in the movies and on television.
Playing a not-so-bright bruiser in Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles, he not only slugged a horse but also delivered the classic line: "Mongo only pawn in game of life."
TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: athletes; comedy; hollywood; karras; nfl; obituary
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1
posted on
10/10/2012 8:11:12 AM PDT
by
Zakeet
To: Absolutely Nobama; Thunder90; 4everontheRight; ABG(anybody but Gore); Abbeville Conservative; ...
2
posted on
10/10/2012 8:13:20 AM PDT
by
Perdogg
(Vote like the US Constitution depends on it - it does!!)
To: Perdogg
Rest in peace Mr. Karras.
3
posted on
10/10/2012 8:15:21 AM PDT
by
Liberty Valance
(Keep a simple manner for a happy life :o)
To: Zakeet
R.I.P., sir. Condolences to Alex’s family and friends. Quite the character. Fearsome Foursome BUMP!
4
posted on
10/10/2012 8:20:12 AM PDT
by
PGalt
To: Liberty Valance
Met him several times at Lions games, nicest guy always had time for a fan.
5
posted on
10/10/2012 8:23:32 AM PDT
by
Mikey_1962
(Obama: The Affirmative Action President.)
To: Zakeet
Always loved him in 'Porky's' too...played a great idiot sheriff..
RIP Alex..
6
posted on
10/10/2012 8:24:18 AM PDT
by
Fedupwithit
("Live Free or Die: Death is not the worst of evils" - Gen. John Stark)
To: Zakeet
He seemed to be a guy with a good sense of humor.
7
posted on
10/10/2012 8:24:35 AM PDT
by
blueunicorn6
("A crack shot and a good dancer")
To: Zakeet
8
posted on
10/10/2012 8:24:50 AM PDT
by
wardaddy
(my wife prays in the tanning bed....guess what region i live in...ya'll?)
To: Zakeet
RIP Alex you were class act on the field and off. Prayers for the family.
9
posted on
10/10/2012 8:26:12 AM PDT
by
DarthVader
(Politicians govern out of self interest, Statesmen govern for a Vision greater than themselves)
To: Zakeet
RIP Mr. Karras. We’re all sad for Mongo
10
posted on
10/10/2012 8:28:04 AM PDT
by
muir_redwoods
(Hopey changey low emission unicorns and a crap sandwich)
To: Zakeet
11
posted on
10/10/2012 8:28:34 AM PDT
by
JRios1968
(I'm guttery and trashy, with a hint of lemon. - Laz)
To: Fedupwithit
Grab everything that kills!
12
posted on
10/10/2012 8:29:15 AM PDT
by
slumber1
(Don't taze me bro!)
To: Mikey_1962
Met him several times at Lions games, nicest guy always had time for a fan. Thanks for that.....that made me smile. I love hearing things like that.
13
posted on
10/10/2012 8:29:50 AM PDT
by
Puppage
(You may disagree with what I have to say, but I shall defend to your death my right to say it)
To: Zakeet
Life catches up with all of us sooner or later. Having Susan by his side to the end must have been a great comfort to him. Deepest sympathy to her.
RIP, big guy.
14
posted on
10/10/2012 8:30:43 AM PDT
by
facedown
(Armed in the Heartland)
To: Zakeet
RIP Mongo....you are no longer 'pawn in game of life'.
Thank you Mr. Karras, for making life more enjoyable.
15
posted on
10/10/2012 8:32:48 AM PDT
by
liberalh8ter
(If Barack has a memory like a steel trap, why can't he remember what the Constitution says?)
To: Zakeet
16
posted on
10/10/2012 8:33:35 AM PDT
by
ZirconEncrustedTweezers
(Vote Romney to stop Obama. Vote conservative Congresspeople to stop Romney.)
To: Zakeet
RIP Alex.... Thanks for the good memories!
To: liberalh8ter
Thank you Mr. Karras, for making life more enjoyable. I second that. RIP, Alex. I'm going to watch my DVD of Blazing Saddles this weekend for the umpteenth time, in Mongo's honor.
18
posted on
10/10/2012 8:51:07 AM PDT
by
OB1kNOb
(November 6th is the tipping point for freedom in America.)
To: facedown
I was wondering if he and Susan were still together. Glad they were. Loved them in “Babe”.....(Babe Didrikson Zaharias that is). RIP Alex......:(
19
posted on
10/10/2012 9:02:45 AM PDT
by
Dawgreg
(Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have.)
To: OB1kNOb
Same here. Blazing Saddles is a go-to favorite and Mongo is a big part of that. Also, it's great to watch our kids (grown ups, now) faces as they watch it and listen to the language. They can't believe how politically incorrect it is and that it was ever allowed to be made!
20
posted on
10/10/2012 9:22:16 AM PDT
by
liberalh8ter
(If Barack has a memory like a steel trap, why can't he remember what the Constitution says?)
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