News has just come about that Alex Karras, a former defensive great of the Detroit Lions, has passed away as a result of severe kidney failure early this morning in Los Angeles, California. Nicknamed, “The Mad Duck”, Karras graced the fields of the National Football league during the late 1950’s/ early 1960’s and spent the entirety of his career in the Motor City. During his off-seasons, Karras was a professional wrestler and is also well known for his character as Mongo from the popular film Blazing Saddles.
On the football field Karras, is a 4 time Pro-Bowl selection, 1957 Outland Trophy winner, and proud member of the 1960s All-Decade NFL. The 77 year old, will go down as one of the greatest inside defensive linemen to ever line up as he was a master of leverage and his brute strength was often second-to-none. Hopefully, Karras is in a better place now. He will rest as a true NFL legend and a hero on and off the field. RIP Alex Karras.
About Sean Shearier