This week in Northwest Indiana history.
Born July 15, 1935, Known for NFL and Acting Career
Alex Karras was born on July 15, 1935, in Gary, Indiana. He attended Emerson High School in Gary. He played college football at the University of Iowa. In 1957, he won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman. The Detroit Lions selected him in 1958 NFL Draft. He played as a defensive tackle for the Lions from 1958 to 1970. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection. He was named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. After retiring from football, he pursued acting. He appeared in the film “Blazing Saddles” as Mongo. He starred in the TV sitcom “Webster” from 1983 to 1989. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. In 2020, he was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He died on October 10, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. His early life in Gary, Indiana, laid the foundation for his achievements in sports and entertainment.
