Former Detroit Lions star Alex Karras -- the guy who played Mongo in "Blazing Saddles" -- says he now suffers from dementia ... and blames the NFL for not properly protecting him from concussions during his playing days.

Karras -- who also starred in "Webster" -- has joined hundreds of ex-NFL players in a lawsuit that seeks medical monitoring, cognitive health benefits as well as financial compensation for the damage he suffered as a result of brain injuries.

Karras' wife has released a statement saying, "Alex suffers from dementia but still enjoys many things, including watching football. But dementia prevents him from doing everyday activities such as driving, cooking, sports fishing, reading books and going to big events or traveling."

She adds, "His constant complaint is dizziness -- the result of multiple concussions. What Alex wants is for the game of football to be made safer and allow players and their families to enjoy a healthier, happier retirement.”

http://www.tmz.com/2012/04/12/blazing-saddle-alex-karras-sues-nfl-dementia/#.T4eh7dn1BKE

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRVnpyHq5UYvHUET1cbr2k9etlF1uaHByYd-BStmCjx48iwmAOi

I'm so sorry to hear that - God bless him. :(

That's terrible, My grandmother suffered from severe dementia, which was brought on by Parkinson's. It was awful watching her slowly waste away. I wish Mr. Karras and his family all the best.

I wish Alex a speedy recovery.

This is sad. There's no way Foitball can be made safer. That's the nature of football. first Emmanuel Lewis lost his house to foreclosure and ales Karras has dementia.

I wish Alex a speedy recovery.

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as recovering from dementia :( It just gets worse and worse... :crying:

Very sad to hear that he's suffering from kidney failure and has been given only a few days to live. He's been through so much in recent years. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

http://www.freep.com/article/20121008/SPORTS01/121008090/detroit-lions-alex-karras-kidney-failure

http://news.yahoo.com/lions-saddened-learn-alex-karras-condition-030627513--nfl.html

Oh wow!! :(

I was watching ESPN today and they reported that he had only a few days to live.

So sad to hear this... he seemed like a great, funny guy.

Here's an article from the Detroit Free-Press, including about 40 pictures.

http://www.freep.com/article/20121008/SPORTS01/121008090/detroit-lions-alex-karras-kidney-failure

R.I.P. Mad Duck!

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?p=4729296#post4729296