Alex Karras

This Sporting Life: The defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions earned All-Pro honors four times. Karras dabbled in pro wrestling during a one-year exile from the NFL, taking on "Dick the Bruiser" -- former Packers lineman Dick Afflis -- at Olympia Stadium in Detroit. Read Karras' obituary here.

Reel Life: Karras was known to millions for his role as "Mongo," the monosyllabic, horse-punching brute in the 1974 Mel Brooks comedy "Blazing Saddles." He later starred in the ABC sitcom "Webster," which ran from 1983 to 1987. He also worked as an announcer on ABC's "Monday Night Football."