Whipped Cream Difficulties links to an L.A. Times story this morning…
Most of you know I’m not a sports fan. My father slept, ate, breathed, lived sports, so much to the degree that especially after my disability developed at age 12 (and I could no longer play sports with him) I became a sports orphan.
Regardless, I knew of Mr. Karras sporting prowess, and thoroughly enjoyed his comedic antics, especially as the lummox Mongo in Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles.
“Mongo just pawn in game of life.”
When I worked at the convenience store, I would sometimes avail myself of the paperback books for sale. The ‘lending library’ we clerks used to call it. George Plimpton’s book Mad Ducks and Bears spent much time on the education of Alex Karras, from a Mongo-like character to an erudite skilled actor and football player. It is also full of hilarious anecdotes. A worthy read, even for a non-sports person like myself.
We’re gonna miss the big guy.
Aw. Saw yesterday that the end was coming. I did like the big guy.
Posted by ProudHillbilly | October 10, 2012, 10:12 amThe obit said he’d deteriorated in the past few years, largely due to the brain injury suffered while playing.
He was one of the first to address this issue.
Posted by guffaw1952 | October 10, 2012, 10:15 amDuring the merger of the NFL/AFL, the Denver Broncos were the first AFL team to beat a NFL team, the Vikings.
The Vikings were an expansion team. The Bronco’s next played the Lions and Karras stated he would, “Walk back to Detroit” if they lost. Late in the 4th, Denver with the ball and a big lead, the crowd started chanting, “Karras, start walking”. He stood up, raised his middle finger, did a 360 turn, and went back to his stance..
Always enjoyed him as an actor and sports commentator.
Posted by WellSeasonedFool | October 10, 2012, 12:26 pmHAHAHAHA!
Posted by guffaw1952 | October 10, 2012, 4:53 pm