Alex Karras Dies At Age 77

Alex Karras, the former NFL player, broadcaster, and actor, died of kidney failure on Wednesday, at the age of 77.

After a standout college career at Iowa, Karras, a defensive lineman, was selcted with the tenth overall pick of the 1958 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.

Karras was named to four All-Pro teams, and was named to the 1960's NFL All-Decade team.

Karras, who actually spent time in professional wrestling at some parts in his life, was suspended for the entire 1963 season, after admitting to betting on NFL game.

In broadcasting, Karras served in many capacities, including a three-year stint as a color analyst for ABC's Monday Night Football, from 1974-1976.

As for acting, Karras was well known in that field as well. He may be best remembered for his role of Mongo in "Blazing Sadles" and George Papadopoulos in the 1980's ABC sitcom "Webster", but he also appeared in such classic shows as "M*A*S*H", "The Odd Couple", and "Match Game".

Karras is survived by his wife, Susan Clark, and a daughter. He also had five children from a previous marraige.

Karras was among many former NFL players to have filed a lawsuit against the NFL in early 2012, over issues of head injuries during their career that had caused various ill effects later in their lives, including dementia.