(AP) – Alex Karras’ condition has deteriorated and the NFL team he
played for is extending its sympathies.

The Detroit Free Press and Detroit News reported the former All-Pro
defensive lineman and actor has been given only a few days to live
because of recent kidney failure.

"The entire Detroit Lions family is deeply saddened to learn of the news
regarding the condition of one of our all-time greats, Alex Karras," Lions
president Tom Lewand said in a statement released by the team late
Monday night. "Perhaps no player in Lions history attained as much
success and notoriety for what he did after his playing days as did Alex.

The 77-year-old Karras has been suffering from dementia. He is among
the many former NFL players suing the league regarding the treatment
of head injuries. Detroit drafted him 10th overall out of Iowa in 1958 and
he was a standout for 12 seasons.

Karras may be even better well known for his work as an actor, including
being a lovable father in the 1980s sitcom "Webster." He also played the
role of Mongo in the 1974 comedy classic "Blazing Saddles," in which he
said, "Mongo only pawn in game of life," and punched out a horse.

Recently, his wife said his quality of life has been made worse because
of head injuries sustained during his playing career. Karras turned 77
July 15.

Update: After returning to his Los Angeles home with family, Karras died
in the morning hours of October 10.

The ABC-TV sitcom ran from 1983 to 1987