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The long, long wait for Detroit Lions legend Alex Karras is finally over. On Wednesday, the NFL announced that the All-Pro defensive tackle has been voted into the 2020 Hall of Fame class.
Alex Karras has been elected to the Hall of Fame's Class of 2020! #PFHOF20@Lions pic.twitter.com/tTpBH2s75E
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) January 15, 2020
Karras played exclusively for the Detroit Lions, with his NFL career spanning from 1958 to 1970. Over that time, he made the Pro Bowl four times, first-team All Pro three times, and second-team All Pro six times.
Prior to this year, Karras had never been a finalist for the Hall of Fame, and, sadly, he’ll have to be a posthumous addition to the Hall, as Karras died back in 2012.
Karras also added to his legendary status by becoming a bit of a star in TV and movies. Many may recognize him for his iconic performance as Mongo in the timeless movie “Blazing Saddles” or his TV role in “Webster.”
Congratulations to the Karras family. This was long, long overdue.