Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand has issued a statement about Alex Karras who is near death due to kidney failure.

Karras, who played 12 seasons with the Lions (1958-62, 64-70), was a member of the fearsome foursome defensive line unit of the 1960s.

 Lewand’s statement:

"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 Monday night.  "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," Lewand said.  "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."