(photo courtesy Detroit Lions)

The Detroit Free Press reports former Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alex Karras is near death, after suffering kidney failure in the last two weeks.  

Karras, 77, turned to acting after his Hall of Fame career in pro football.  He played the memorable character "Mongo" in the movie "Blazing Saddles."  He and his wife, Susan Clark, starred in the 80s sitcom "Webster."

Karas is a native of Gary, Indiana and was an all-state player for Gary Emerson High School. He was also a plaintiff in the lawsuit over conscussions filed against the NFL by more than three thousand players.