Alex Karras, Detroit Lions pro-lineman died at home from kidney failure

On October 8, 2012, Karras told his friend Tom McInerney that he was suffering from kidney failure complications and the doctors only gave him a few days to live. He was treated at John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Cal. before his release and passing just two days later.

View slideshow: Alex Karras, Detroit Lions pro-lineman died at home from kidney failure
During his football years he was nicknamed “The Mad Duck”. He was one of many ABC commentators for “Monday Night Football”. In 1977 he was elected into the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991. Alex Karras was also a professional wrestler.

Karras was one of many former NFL players to file suit against the National Football League in 2012 due to head injuries during his career playing football. These head injuries caused this powerhouse of a man to suffer from dementia later in life.

Later on in his career he went into acting. He rose to stardom in a 1974 Mel Brooks film, “Blazing Saddles” where he portrayed the character, Mongo. Later on he starred in the ABC sitcom “Webster” with Emmanuel Lewis, as George Papadapolis. He made many appearance on television, some roles included; “M*A*S*H”, “The Odd Couple”, “Match Game ’75” and “Porky’s”.

Alex Karras had many health problems throughout the years and suffered from dementia, heart disease, cancer and died as a result of kidney failure.

He is survived by his second wife, Susan Clark and his six children.

He was truly an icon and will be missed by fans and loved ones.