Alex Karras, former All-Pro defensive lineman, actor, dies at 77

CBS Sports ^ | October 10, 2012

[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."

[Zakeet]

[Perdogg]

NFL PING

FReepmail scott says to be added to, or to be taken off the NFL Ping list...

[Liberty Valance]

Rest in peace Mr. Karras.

[PGalt]

R.I.P., sir. Condolences to Alex’s family and friends. Quite the character. Fearsome Foursome BUMP!

[Mikey_1962]

Met him several times at Lions games, nicest guy always had time for a fan.

[Fedupwithit]

Always loved him in 'Porky's' too...played a great idiot sheriff..

RIP Alex..

[blueunicorn6]

He seemed to be a guy with a good sense of humor.

[wardaddy]

Mongo..RIP

[DarthVader]

RIP Alex you were class act on the field and off. Prayers for the family.

[muir_redwoods]

RIP Mr. Karras. We’re all sad for Mongo

[JRios1968]

RIP Mongo.

[slumber1]

Grab everything that kills!

[Puppage]

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.

[facedown]

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.

[liberalh8ter]

RIP Mongo....you are no longer 'pawn in game of life'.

Thank you Mr. Karras, for making life more enjoyable.

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

R.I.P., Mongo.

[jakerobins]

RIP Alex.... Thanks for the good memories!

[OB1kNOb]

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.

[Dawgreg]

I was wondering if he and Susan were still together. Glad they were. Loved them in “Babe”.....(Babe Didrikson Zaharias that is). RIP Alex......:(

[liberalh8ter]

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!