LOS ANGELES, Cal. - Former NFL defensive lineman Alex Karras died Wednesday at age 77 after complications from kidney failure.
Karras gained fame as a fearsome defensive lineman and later went on to a career as an actor and broadcaster.
Craig Mitnick, Karras' attorney, said Karras died at home in Los Angeles on Wednesday, surrounded by family.
Karras had been suffering from dementia. He was among the more than 3,500 NFL players suing the league regarding the treatment of head injuries.
Detroit drafted Karras, who grew up in Gary, Ind., 10th overall in 1958 out of Iowa. He was a four-time All-Pro defensive tackle over 12 seasons with the franchise.
Karras may be even better known for his work as an actor. He portrayed an adoptive dad in the 1980s sitcom "Webster," and punched a horse in the 1974 comedy classic "Blazing Saddles."