Alex Karras, Former NFL Great and Actor, Died From Kidney Failure

Alex Karras—fearsome NFL defensive lineman, lovable TV dad and hilarious big-screen cowboy—died on Oct. 10, 2012 at his Los Angeles home. He was 77.

Karras had recently suffered kidney failure and also had dementia. He also suffered from heart disease and, for the last two years, stomach cancer.

Karras was one of the NFL's most feared defensive tackles throughout the 1960s. He anchored the Detroit Lions' defense and then made a successful transition to an acting career, with a stint along the way as a commentator on Monday Night Football.

Karras has also written an autobiography, "Even Big Guys Cry," and two other books, "Alex Karras' and "Tuesday Night Football."