Alex Karras Dies At 77: Detroit Lion, Blazing Saddles Actor

Mr. Karras, who had suffered kidney failure last week, died while surrounded by family members, said Craig Mitnick, Alex Karras’ attorney and family spokesman.

While remembered now for his role as “Mongo” in Blazing Saddles,…

and the TV show Webster, Karras was a four-time NFL Pro Bowler, a dominant force on the field who deserves to be in the NFL Hall Of Fame.

As an actor, I remember first seeing him in some ABC Movie Of The Week in 1973, where he starred as a country bumpkin turned Olympic weight-lifter.

This bloggers prayers go to all of Mr. Karras’ family, friends and former NFL teammates.