49ers QB John Brodie and Lions Alex Karras

San Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie under pressure from Lions great Alex Karras.

Detroit Lions Great Alex Karras

Considered by many to be one of the most deserving players not in the Professional Football Hall of Fame, he is a member of the Hall of Fame 1960s team. He was a dominate defense tackle during his 12 years in the NFL being named to 4 Pro Bowls and 3 All-Pro Teams.

Detroit Lions Great Alex Karras

Considered by many to be one of the most deserving players not in the Professional Football Hall of Fame, he is a member of the Hall of Fame 1960s team. He was a dominate defense tackle during his 12 years in the NFL being named to 4 Pro Bowls and 3 All-Pro Teams.

Detroit Lions Great Alex Karras

Considered by many to be one of the most deserving players not in the Professional Football Hall of Fame, he is a member of the Hall of Fame 1960s team. He was a dominate defense tackle during his 12 years in the NFL being named to 4 Pro Bowls and 3 All-Pro Teams.

Detroit Lions Great Alex Karras

Considered by many to be one of the most deserving players not in the Professional Football Hall of Fame, he is a member of the Hall of Fame 1960s team. He was a dominate defense tackle during his 12 years in the NFL being named to 4 Pro Bowls and 3 All-Pro Teams.

Detroit Lions Great Alex Karras



Alex Karras

Detroit Lions Legend Alex Karras played 12 seasons in the NFL.

Alex Karras and Sam Wyche

Bengals quarterback Sam Wyche eludes Lions Defender Alex Karras

Alex Karras

Sat out the entire 1963 NFL Season after being suspended for gambling on games.

Alex Karras

A 1st Round Draft Pick in 1958 he was an consensus All-American as well as the 1957 Outland Trophy award winner at the University of Iowa. He was also the runner up in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Alex Karras

A 1st Round Draft Pick in 1958 he was an consensus All-American as well as the 1957 Outland Trophy award winner at the University of Iowa. He was also the runner up in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Alex Karras

A 1st Round Draft Pick in 1958 he was an consensus All-American as well as the 1957 Outland Trophy award winner at the University of Iowa. He was also the runner up in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Detroit Lions Defense Sacks Johnny Unitas

Leading the Lions defense in a sack of Colts Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas. While there's no official record of defensive sacks for NFL seasons before 1982 historians feel Alex Karras should be credited with about 100 sacks for his 12-year year. Also pictured above are #53 Mike Lucci, #59 Charlie Weaver and #74 Larry Hand.

Alex Karras Cover TV Guide

After leaving pro football in 1970, he began a very successful film career with starring roles in Blazing Saddles, M*A*S*H, Porky's and Paper Lion. Probably his most recognizable role in recent years was as George Papadopolis in the TV series Webster where he plays a retired football player turned instant parent. Here he is with the show's cast on the cover of TV Guide in 1984.