Welcome to History Lesson, a recurring feature in Model D led by local historian Jacob Jones, in which we delve deep into the annals of Detroit history and nerd out over a different topic each time.

Karras' third career made him more notable: He became an actor and played in not only himself in the 1968 film "Paper Lion," but was Mongo in "Blazing Saddles" and George Papdopolis in the TV ...

Karras' wife played his wife in the series (1983-1987). For movie buffs, Karras played himself in the 1968 film Paper Lion, based on George Plimpton's book about his training camp tryout with Detroit.

PESCA: Karras was known - well-known - as a four-time Pro Bowl defender before the publication of "Paper Lion," in which writer George Plimpton embedded himself as a member of the Lions.

For all his prowess as a player, Karras may have gained more fame as an actor. He played himself in the movie adaptation of George Plimpton 's "Paper Lion." In Mel Brooks ' "Blazing Saddles ...

First Posted: 10/10/2012 (AP) Alex Karras was one of the NFL’s most feared defensive tackles throughout the 1960s, a player who hounded quarterbacks and bulled past opposing linemen. And yet, to ...

Alex Karras, one of the most intimidating NFL defensive linemen of the 1960s who later turned into a lovable dad in the 1980’s sitcome “Webster” and the lumbering Cowboys named “Mongo ...

Football legend Alex Karras died at his home in the Hollywood Hills. The 77- year-old defensive lineman played for the Detroit Lions in the 1960s. The Gary Ind., native and Emerson High School ...

He chronicled his experiences in the book, "Paper Lion," which was made into a feature film in the late 60s and starred Alan Alda and eventual Pro Football Hall of Famer Karras, who went on to ...

Karras' third career made him more notable: He became an actor and played in not only himself in the 1968 film "Paper Lion," but was Mongo in "Blazing Saddles" and George Papdopolis in the TV ...