TPWW Forums - R.I.P. "Mad Duck" Alex Karras

Former football great "Mad Duck" Alex Karras passed away this past Wednesday from kidney failure. He was 77.

Karras played for Iowa State, before being drafted by the Detriot Lions in 1958, where he played for 12 seasons as their defensive tackle, before retiring in 1970. His record included a Outland Trophy, 4 Pro Bowls, and was part of the NFL All-Decade Team in the 1960s. Played 161 games, recovered 16 fumbles, and four interceptions. He was suspended for one season in 1963 due to gambling.

Between 1957 and 1964, Karras wrestled during the NFL off-season. His main feud was with Dick The Bruiser.

In 1968, Karras began acting on television and film. After retiring from the gridiron in 1971, he pursued acting full-time. In 1974, he portrayed Mongo in Blazing Saddles, where he infamously knocked out a horse with one punch. In 1973, he served three years as a commentator for ABC's Monday Night Football.

In the 1980s, Karras showed a different side of himself, as he played George Papadapolis, the father of the main character on the tv series, Webster.

In 1977, he was inducted into the Iowa Sports Hall Of Fame and into the College Football Hall Of Fame in 1991.