Former Detroit Lions great Alex Karras is in grave condition, suffering from kidney failure.

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, family members have indicated Karras may have only a few days to live.

Karras, 77, has battled a various health issues in recent years, including cancer and dementia, according to Birkett. He is among the former players filing suit against the NFL.

Karras was a star for the Lions from 1958 to 1970 before beginning an acting career and starring in the 1974 Mel Brooks’ hit “Blazing Saddles.”

"The entire Detroit Lions family is deeply saddened to learn of the news regarding the condition of one of our all-time greats, Alex Karras,” Lions president Tom Lewand said in a statement released by the club. “Perhaps no player in Lions history attained as much success and notoriety for what he did after his playing days as did Alex.

"We know Alex first and foremost as one of the cornerstones to our Fearsome Foursome defensive line of the 1960s and also as one of the greatest defensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. Many others across the country came to know Alex as an accomplished actor and as an announcer during the early years of Monday Night Football.

"We join his legions of fans from both sports and entertainment in prayer and support for Alex, his wife Susan, and his entire family during this most difficult time."

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune