RIP Mongo, and thanks for the laughs. Blazing Saddles tonight!
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."
” I’m going to keeeck a touchdown, I am going to keeeck a touchdown”
My favorite Karras quote.
Dang, I would hate to see someone like that facing me across a scrimmage line. He was a great player, never played dirty.
RIP.
I remember reading “Run to Daylight” by Jerry Kramer, and thinking to myself “Boy, he sounds like he and his teammates were scared sh**less of this guy Alex Karras...”
Rest In Peace, Mr. Karras, and thank you for putting your God-given talents to such good use. Our prayers are with your loved ones.
RIP Mongo. Lord, please comfort his family in their loss.
RIP Mongo, and thanks for the laughs. Blazing Saddles tonight!
Sad day.
Prayers to the family.
RIP Mr. Karras.
You brought a lot of thrills, a lot of thought, a lot of laughs and a lot of joy to literally millions of people.
Many of us envy your legacy and mourn your passing.
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