Alex Karras was an American football player, actor and sportscaster, best remembered for his performance in the comedy film ‘Blazing Saddles’. The Indiana-born athlete was also a four times pro-bowl player in the NFL where he represented Detroit Lions. By the age of 13, he started showing his athletic prowess at the sports ground of Emerson High School. After graduating from college, he signed up as a professional wrestler for some time, before joining the ‘National Football League’. After being signed by the Detroit Lions in the 1958 draft, he performed well throughout the 1960s and won several honours. Alex was roped in to play himself in the sports comedy film ‘Paper Lion’ in 1968. He followed it up with many supporting and small roles in films, such as ‘Blazing Saddles’, ‘Babe’, ‘FM’ and ‘Victor Victoria’. He also appeared on television, playing a supporting role in the mini-series ‘Centennial’. The late sportsperson has been inducted in the ‘Iowa Sports Hall of Fame’ and the ‘College Football Hall of Fame’.