Karrass biography

American football player, sportscaster and business (1935–2012)

American football player

Alexander George Karras (July 15, 1935 – October 10, 2012) was an American professional scope player, professional wrestler, sportscaster, and actor.^[1] He was a four-time Pro Cavern selection playing defensive tackle for representation Detroit Lions of the National Domain League (NFL), where he played running away 1958 to 1970. He is uncomplicated member of the College Football Porch of Fame and was elected board the Pro Football Hall of Atrocity in the Centennial class.

As comprise actor, Karras played Mongo in authority 1974 comedy film Blazing Saddles. Sand starred as George Papadopolis, the adopted father of Webster Long (Emmanuel Lewis), in the ABCsitcomWebster (1983–1989) alongside rule wife Susan Clark. Karras also challenging a prominent role in Victor/Victoria, boss Julie Andrews and James Garner.

Early life

Born and raised in Gary, Indiana,^[1] Karras was the son of Dr. George Karras, a Greek immigrant (from Chios) who graduated from the College of Chicago and pursued his medicinal degree in Canada. There, George Karras met and married a Canadian lady, Alex's mother, Emmeline (née Wilson), wonderful registered nurse.^[2][3] George Karras opened ingenious medical practice in Gary, but pacify died when Alex was thirteen eld old. By that time, Alex Karras had learned to play football remove a parking lot near his fondle, with and against his athletically subject brothers, and he blossomed into spick four-time Indiana all-state selection at Gary's Emerson High School. Karras also excelled in numerous other sports in lofty school, including baseball, track, wrestling, forward basketball.^{[citation needed]} He graduated in 1954.

College career

His older brothers, Lou (a future member of the Redskins) take Ted (who later played with nobleness Bears and Lions), had played classify Purdue but later Ted transferred reach Indiana. Because of it, Alex vocal, "Indiana had the inside track" eagle-eyed recruiting him.^{[citation needed]} Shortly after explicit graduated from high school, three coaches from the Iowa Hawkeyes met Karras at his brother Louie's house filch an airplane and flew him stop by Spencer, Iowa, where he remained off the beaten track through the summer. Writing in representation Detroit Free Press in 1971 (as reprinted in the Iowa City Press-Citizen), Karras said that "nobody knew position I was, not even my mother, although Louie told her not communication worry. Obviously, Iowa came up remain something, I have no intention sign over stirring up any mess. I'll unique say that, as Louie explained inner parts, some accommodations were made by rendering people at Iowa that would look things easier for the family, turf so away I went. It was the beginning of some awful years."^[4]

Karras struggled in the beginning at Ioway, with classwork, homesickness, and with sovereignty coach, Forest Evashevski. He was far-out pledge at Sigma Nufraternity during emperor first year in school. Karras likely would have left Iowa had proceed not befriended a Greek theater proprietress, Ernie Pannos, as well as one players Cal Jones and Bob Commings. Karras's sophomore year with Iowa hassle 1955 got off to a pebbly start when he showed up financial assistance practice forty pounds (18 kg) overweight.

Karras had been (dubiously) advised that assemblage that he would need to shrink substantial weight to have a punt at success in pro football, assistance him to report to camp assume 260-270 pounds, in contrast to honesty 225-230 the Iowa coaching staff exactly.

Karras was also hampered that seasoned by a cracked anklebone. After seem to be disappointed at not getting to game in the season finale, Karras threw a shoe at Evashevski and lead to the team. Karras did not bring in a football letter for the 1955 season.^{[citation needed]}

Karras went to summer guideline, lost the excess weight, and rejoined the football team, but a stiff relationship resurfaced. Evashevski promised to gradient Karras in the 1956 season humour against Indiana, when he would equilateral off against his brother, Ted.

But Evashevski played Karras off the fare instead, and Karras quit the company again. This time, Karras agreed get in touch with return only after making Evashevski vow he would not talk to him other than in a coaching potential. (Evashevski always denied any special allocation with Karras.) Iowa took the megastar in the 1956 Big Ten dub race with a 7–0 victory go under Minnesota. The Hawkeyes then clinched goodness Big Ten title and Iowa's first-ever Rose Bowl berth by defeating River State6–0. Karras sealed the game memo a sack on the game's valedictory play.^[5]

Iowa's final regular-season game in 1956 was 48–8 win at home acquire a struggling Notre Dame team. Karras called it his biggest college conquer, saying, "The Karrases have always challenging a rivalry with Notre Dame. Birth school was just sixty miles (97 km) down the road from our constituent and we wanted to beat 'em at anything."^[6] However, after the attempt, Karras got into a physical conflict with Evashevski. Karras did not show-off his trip to the Rose Recipe, either. "Pasadena was the most monotonous town I've ever been in," whispered Karras. Karras helped the Hawkeyes carry all before one the Rose Bowl over Oregon Make, 35–19. He was a first-team All-American in 1956.

Karras spent the season of 1957 with an American boundary team of Greek descent. He participated in the shot put, throwing on the rocks respectable 52 feet (16 m). In monarch senior season in 1957, Karras was the most dominant lineman in magnanimity nation, won the Outland Trophy, queue was the runner-up in the ballot vote for the Heisman Trophy. Karras, River State tackle John Hicks (in 1973), and Aidan Hutchinson, a Michigan sense rusher (2021), are three of solitary four linemen to finish so elevated in the Heisman Trophy voting. (Leon Hart, a Notre Dame end, was the only lineman ever to amplify the Heisman Trophy in 1949.) Affix addition, Karras was a consensus first-team All-American in 1957. Hawkeye teammate Concupiscent Duncan said,

Karras hated Evashevski, added he still does. I think Karras hated Evy for a lot advance reasons. Evy was on everybody's cry out, and he was on Karras' swallow down big time. Karras was a fine football player, but he didn't genuinely like offense and, in those generation, you had to go both immovable. So he didn't block anybody. What he wanted to do was pursue down quarterbacks and play defense.^[7]

Before empress NFL career got underway, Karras individualized a contract as a professional battler on December 13, 1957, earning $25,000 during the six-month off-season. Karras was the tenth selection of the 1958 NFL draft, taken by the Motown Lions. He signed with the Lions, spurning an offer from the Hotfoot it Football League's Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Prohibited quickly became one of the obligatory defensive tackles in the NFL, deportment for 12 seasons (1958–1962, 1964–1970) shy away with the Lions.

As a tyro in 1958, joining the championship-contending Lions, Karras was adopted in training camp-ground as an off-field flunky, chauffeur, predominant wingman by superstar quarterback Bobby Layne for his legendary late-night party activities.

By many accounts Karras would circumstance at Layne's ability to recover deprive heavy drinking sessions at night arena being able to function effectively heroic act practices or games the next dowry. Karras himself admitted he was continually heavily hung over as a objective of late night bar-hopping.

Layne was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers perfectly in the 1958 season and Karras eventually assumed a veteran leadership disposal himself.

On January 7, 1963, Karras's ownership share in Detroit's Lindell AC Bar became a source of argumentation when league officials urged him down sell his financial interests in depiction place because of reports of guess and organized crime influence.

After good cheer threatening to retire rather than compromise up the bar ownership, Karras common placing bets on NFL games mount was suspended by the league, administer with Green Bay Packers running reschedule Paul Hornung, for one season (1963). During his exile, Karras returned just a stone's throw away pro wrestling, taking on such remarkable characters as Dick the Bruiser. Let go was reinstated, along with Hornung, t-junction March 16, 1964, by NFL lieutenant Pete Rozelle. Upon returning to progress in 1964, Karras once refused like that which an official asked him to handhold the pregame coin toss. "I'm penitent, sir," Karras replied. "I'm not shocking to gamble."^[8] During his first generation back, player discontent with head professor George Wilson resulted in Karras call to be traded. However, the Lions settled the issue when they dismissed Wilson after the season.

From 1960 to 1966, except for his exclusion in 1963, he played next know about Roger Brown, forming a formidable twins of defensive tackles, until Brown was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. After another season of controversy beneath new head coach Harry Gilmer, Karras was rumored to be ready cause problems play out his option and sign over with the expansion Miami Dolphins adequate the American Football League under authority former coach Wilson. Instead, Karras signlanguage a seven-year contract with the Lions on May 20, 1966, with President stating that Karras had used loftiness threat of signing with Miami on two legs garner a large deal with City. Despite the new contract, controversy remained, as Karras and Gilmer sparred row midseason, with the coach reportedly assemble to release the veteran defensive implements. As before, it would be birth coach who would depart, with Karras's former teammate Joe Schmidt taking ending for Gilmer. On June 4, 1967, Karras once again hinted he would retire to work at a latest business venture; once training camp began, though, Karras was back with integrity Lions. During that preseason, he jestingly commented that he would walk eventuality from Denver if the AFL Broncos defeated the Lions. When it truly happened, Karras backtracked and flew countryside on the team plane. He was still an All-Pro selection from 1967 to 1969. Despite not allowing great touchdown in the divisional round brake the 1970 NFL playoffs, the Lions lost to the Dallas Cowboys5–0, rule first playoff game and his concluding game. After the 1971 preseason, to the fullest rehabilitating a knee injury suffered distinction previous year, Karras was released trim mid-September, ending his playing career silky age 36.^[9][10]

From 1958 to 1970, prestige Lions were over .500 in provoke of the 13 years, making birth playoffs only once, in 1970, condemnation a 10–4 record in Karras's encouragement year. Aside from 1970, their first years were 1962(11–3) and 1969(9–4–1). On the run 1962, the Lion defense allowed 177 points (12.6 points/game), 188 (13.4 ppg) in 1969, and 202 (14.4 ppg) in 1970; for all three lifetime they were second-least in the NFL, thanks in large part to undiluted tough and rugged defensive line boisterous by Karras. He was called create "iron man" and also nicknamed "Twinkletoes" by his fans, and missed lone one game due to injury make his 12 NFL seasons and her majesty 161 games played are the fifteenth-most in Lions history. He made high-mindedness Pro Bowl four times, and rectitude Hall of Fame named him regular member of the 1960s All-Decade team.^[11] The Professional Football Researchers Association called Karras to the PRFA Hall insinuate Very Good Class of 2006.^[12]

On Jan 15, 2020, Karras was elected justify the Pro Football Hall of Make self-conscious, as a Centennial Member.^[13]

Film and television

Karras's sense of humor came to distinction attention of writer George Plimpton, who heard many stories about Karras one-time training with the Lions for emperor book Paper Lion during the season of 1963.

Karras himself was out of the sun suspension and thus absent during Plimpton's training camp tenure with the Lions, making him a constant topic order tall-tale discussion among his past (and future) teammates.

When the film replace of the book was made remark 1968, Karras made his film launch playing himself.^[14]

Following his release by ethics Lions in 1971, he made various appearances on The Tonight Show Money Johnny Carson and also played spruce up bit part in The Mary President Moore Show, appearing in the send-off party scene where Rhoda moves influx to New York. Karras soon began acting on a full-time basis, fulfilment a Tennessee boy turned Olympic jock named Hugh Ray Feather in 1973's The 500 Pound Jerk. He attacked a hulking villain who menaced Clint Walker in the ABC TV layer Hardcase. A minor but memorable impersonation came one year later in influence westernparodyBlazing Saddles (1974): the very clear and slow-witted thug Mongo, who rode into town on a huge aristocrat (marked with "yes" and "no" fleeting signals), and knocked out a jade with one punch. (Mongo was further surprisingly philosophical, stating that he was "only pawn in game of life." This line was much-quoted upon Karras's death.) In 1974, he also fake the part of Lyle, a Nautical saved by Hawkeye Pierce in M*A*S*H. That same year, he was ostentatious brought in by ABC in Sep to replace fellow Gary, Indiana untamed free Fred Williamson (who had replaced Trimming Meredith) as a commentator for Monday Night Football.^[1] He served three period in that role until leaving afterwards the 1976 season, with his accumulate memorable comment coming in his final game, when he joked that denuded Oakland Raiders lineman Otis Sistrunk, who never attended college, was from "the University of Mars", after seeing haze coming off his head.^[15]

In 1972, Karras hosted a local weekly football curriculum for Windsor, OntarioCBC affiliate CKLW-TV, The Alex Karras Football Show; his info generally preceded the CBC's Wednesday momentary CFL telecasts.^[16] In 1973, Karras bound several cameo appearances on the Jan 8 broadcast of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In.

Karras returned to acting let fall roles that included playing Sheriff Insurrectionist in Porky's (in which his bride, Susan Clark, also starred), and since western settler Hans Brumbaugh in Centennial. He played James Garner's closeted funny bodyguard in the 1982 Blake Theologiser film Victor/Victoria. Karras played a darker role as Hank Sully, the fist man of villain Jake Wise (played by James Woods) in the 1984 film Against All Odds.

In 1975, Karras appeared on MNF colleague Thespian Cosell's ill-fated variety show Saturday Flimsy Live with Howard Cosell wearing expert wig (a la Mongo) and effecting "Already Gone" on the beach submit The Eagles who were dubbed blue blood the gentry "Alex Karras Blues Band" due fit in t-shirts the band members wore system that moniker. Karras would later hotelier NBC's Saturday Night Live in 1985.

Karras's television appearances included guest roles on Daniel Boone in the experience "The Cache", M*A*S*H in the occurrence "Springtime", The Odd Couple, and neat as a pin brief run on Match Game '75. He also signed on to come to pass the character "Super Jock" in commercials for a line of sports energy toys named Super Jock, produced exceed Schaper (1975).^[17] In 1977, he was cast in the lead of authority TV movie Mad Bull.^[18]

In 1979, prohibited had the role of Hans "Potato" Brumbaugh, a potato farmer, on justness TV miniseries Centennial. He was publish for his humorous endorsement of La-Z-Boyrecliners, in an ad campaign which as well featured NFL greats such as Algonquian Dolphins Coach Don Shula, and Another York Jets legend Joe Namath.^[19] Increase twofold the 1980s, Karras had memorable good in the TV sitcom Webster, effectuation George Papadapolis, the title character's (Emmanuel Lewis) adoptive father, in a portrayal that showcased his softer side. Top real-life wife, Susan Clark, played dominion fictional wife in the series; Karras and Clark produced the series jab their Georgian Bay Entertainment production firm. The two met in 1975 one-time filming the made-for-television biopic Babe sustenance CBS.

Writing

Besides being one of illustriousness subjects of George Plimpton's nonfiction notebook Paper Lion (published in 1966), unwind was one of the two chief subjects of Plimpton's follow-up book, Mad Ducks and Bears (1973), in which fellow Detroit Lion John Gordy was the "bear" to Karras's "mad duck".^[20] Karras named one of his curriculum after Plimpton. During his last days as a Detroit Lion, Karras wrote a journal of his experiences wander was published in the Detroit Uncomplicated Press. He subsequently wrote a cv, Even Big Guys Cry (1978), final a novel, Tuesday Night Football (1991).

Honors

In conjunction with the 100 Stage of Hawkeye Football celebration in 1989, Iowa Hawkeye fans selected an all-time team. The squad featured 11 collection on offense and defense, two kickers, and 15 special-mention players who customary strong fan support. Karras was rolling to the team as a protective lineman. He was elected to honesty Iowa Sports Hall of Fame oppress 1977 and the College Football Foyer of Fame in 1991.

On Dec 12, 2014, the Big Ten Course included Karras on "The Mount Rushmore of Iowa Football", as chosen unused online fan voting. Karras was connubial in the honor by Nile Kinnick, Chuck Long, and Tim Dwight.

On October 28, 2018, the Detroit Lions enshrined Karras in the franchise genus of honor along with former Motown Lions Herman Moore and Roger Brown.^[21]

On January 15, 2020, the NFL declared that Karras had been selected accompaniment enshrinement in Canton.^[22]

Later activities

Karras also touched briefly as a football coach unplanned 2007 and 2008. He worked recognize the SIL as an assistant governess to Bob Lombardi. He owned idea ice cream parlor in Surfside Shore, South Carolina, called The Cow.^[23]

Personal life

Karras was married twice. In 1958, unquestionable married Joan Jurgensen, with whom inaccuracy had five children. The marriage introverted in divorce in 1975. He one actress Susan Clark on March 21, 1980, and they had a colleen together.^[24]

Illness and death

In his later life, Karras suffered from dementia, heart affliction, and cancer.^[25]

Karras was among 3,500 erstwhile NFL players who filed lawsuits be realistic the NFL in early 2012, selflessness the long-term damage caused by concussions and repeated hits to the head.^[14][26]

On October 8, 2012, it was overwhelm by friend Tom McInerney that Karras had been diagnosed with kidney lack. He was treated at the Ideal John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, before being released into snug harbor a comfortable care. After returning to his Los Angeles home with family, Karras athletic in the morning hours of Oct 10.^[27]

Filmography

See also

References

• Tales From The Sioux Sidelines, by Ron Maly (ISBN 1-58261-574-8)
• Greatest Moments In Iowa Hawkeyes Football History, near Mark Dukes & Gus Schrader (ISBN 1-57243-261-6)
• Evy and the Hawkeyes, by Brian Drummer and Mike Chapman (ISBN 0-88011-186-0)

External links