Former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alex Karras passed away yesterday due to kidney failure. He was 77. Many people likely remember Karras most from his acting. For his role in the sitcom "Webster" and especially for his wonderful performance as Mongo in "Blazing Saddles." Despite never having seen him play football live I remember him best for playing defensive tackle like few ever have.
Many of Karras' teammates and opponents routinely describe him as one of the best defensive players of their time. Much of what they say and what I've seen in game film reminds me of Warren Sapp. Karras was just a relentless ball of fury. Blowing up plays before they start. Harassing quarterbacks. The most remarkable thing about Karras was that he was essentially blind on the field. His vision was horrible. He reacted to colors. As a defensive tackle he was in the middle of the madness that takes place in the trenches. With everything whipping around he was able to separate opposing uniforms with incredible accuracy and find the man with the ball.
Alex Karras deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. Along with Lavvie Dilweg, Mac Speedie, Jerry Kramer and now Cris Carter, Karras is at the top of the list of players that have been unfairly ignored. It's ridiculous. I've often wondered if Karras' Hall of Fame absence was due to his suspension for the entire 1963 season for gambling. The punishment was overly excessive for an offense that was little more than betting among friends but commissioner Pete Rozelle had to make a statement. Paul Hornung was suspended at the same time for the same offense and he sits comfortably in Canton. Since nothing else explains Karras' absence the suspension is all that I have. I'm just sick of seeing former greats finally honored when they are gone or never honored at all. Alex Karras will always be a Hall of Fame football player in my book.
RIP.
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