Posted on 10/09/2012 2:50:22 PM PDT by jakerobins
DETROIT — Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand says the franchise is deeply saddened to learn of Alex Karras’ condition.
The Detroit Free Press and Detroit News reported Monday that the former All-Pro defensive lineman and actor has kidney failure and has been given only a few days to live.
The 77-year-old Karras has been suffering from dementia. He is among the many former NFL players suing the league regarding the treatment of head injuries.
Detroit drafted Karras out of Iowa in 1958 and he was a standout for 12 seasons.
He may be even better well known for his work as an actor. He played the role of Mongo in the 1974 comedy classic “Blazing Saddles,” and was a lovable father in the 1980s sitcom “Webster.”
(Excerpt) Read more at nydailynews.com ...
You on this brah? Mongo need prayer!
He had a nice little acting career going. Very sad.
/johnny
Brings back memories of the Lindell A.C. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/09/sports/missing-the-lindell-ac-in-detroit-where-athletes-mixed-with-fans.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Article excerpt:
In 1963, Pete Rozelle, the commissioner of the N.F.L., suspended Paul Hornung, the golden boy of the Green Bay Packers, and Lions defensive lineman Alex Karras for gambling on games in the Lindell A.C. Rozelle also ordered Karras to divest himself of his one-third interest in the saloon. Hornung was contrite; Karras was outraged. The scandal was excellent for the Butsicarises’s business.
To work out his anger, Karras took up professional wrestling during his suspension. One night, he and a future opponent, Dick the Bruiser, went at each other inside the Lindell A.C., an epic brawl that left the place — and Karras — in tatters.
Six years later, Martin, then manager of the Minnesota Twins, got into a dispute inside the Lindell A.C. with one of his own pitchers, burly Dave Boswell, a 20-game winner that year. Though Martin was giving away several inches and many more pounds, they took their differences into the alley behind the bar. When it was over, Boswell’s face required 20 stitches while Martin’s needed just seven. Apparently impressed by Martin’s way of handling his pitching staff, the Tigers hired him two years later, and he led the team to the division title in 1972.
But perhaps the thing that truly set the Lindell A.C. apart — and the thing that reveals just how different its world was from the world we live in today — was the way professional athletes and other celebrities, from Mickey Mantle to Milton Berle to Andre the Giant, mingled with ordinary fans.
For Blazing Saddles you bet. Not for Webster.
I just wonder why they can’t do any sort of dialysis on him if they know his kidneys are failing.
He also played the Sheriff in “Porkies.”
A prayer for Alex, one member of the Detroit Lions original Fearsome Foursome - Alex Karras, Roger Brown, Darris McCord, Sammy Williams.
If you are suffering from dementia, do you want your family and doctors to prolong your life with dialysis. His wishes may be known to his doctors and family as part of his living will/advance directives.
My daughter that has authority over that is well aware of my wishes.
God bless his family.
/johnny
I remember him in the TV series Centennial, he was very good in that.
Webster’s dad got prayers from me...
Prayers up.
For Blazing Saddles you bet. Not for Webster.
I just wonder why they can’t do any sort of dialysis on him if they know his kidneys are failing.
He probably has other organ failure...and/or...his cancer may be too advanced for dialysis to help
My father is the same age as Karras, and is suffering from renal problems....near renal failure. And I have a step-brother (my age) who has advanced renal failure. It’s not fun, and I pray for Karass and his family.
If I recall correctly, Alex, on MOnday Night Football defined Oakland Raider’s tough guy, Otis Sistrunk as being from the University of Mars (as Otis was full shaved head and steam was pouring off his dome when he took his helmet off)
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