Alex Karras
Source: Wikipedia: Alex Karras
Sports & Athletics • Historical Archive • 🇺🇸 United States • 7 views

Alex Karras 🇺🇸

Alexander George Karras
All-Pro NFL Player, College Football Hall of Famer, Actor, 'Blazing Saddles'
Born Jul 15, 1935 🇺🇸 Gary, United States
Passed Away Oct 10, 2012 Los Angeles, United States
Lifespan 77 years old
7 views
Notice / Correction
"Mongo only pawn in game of life."

Archival Overview

Dominant All-Pro NFL defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions who transitioned into a celebrated acting career, famously punching a horse as Mongo in 'Blazing Saddles' and starring as the adoptive dad in the sitcom 'Webster'.

Biographical Record

The son of Greek immigrants in Gary, Indiana, Alexander George Karras was an Outland Trophy winner and All-American at the University of Iowa. Drafted tenth overall by the Detroit Lions in 1958, he became one of the most ferocious and dominant defensive tackles of the 1960s, earning four Pro Bowl selections.

After football, Karras achieved rare crossover success in entertainment, joining 'Monday Night Football' as a commentator and giving an unforgettable comedic performance as Mongo in Mel Brooks's 'Blazing Saddles' (1974). From 1983 to 1989, he starred alongside his wife Susan Clark in the hit family sitcom 'Webster'.

Key Life Milestones

1962

NFL All-Pro and Thanksgiving Dominance

Led the Fearsome Foursome defense of the Detroit Lions to sack Bart Starr and defeat the undefeated Green Bay Packers.

2020

Pro Football Hall of Fame Centennial Class

Posthumously enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, as part of the Centennial Class of 2020.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial
Cremated, ashes held by family
Los Angeles, United States
GPS: 34.0522, -118.2437
View on Memory Atlas
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