Karras of Lions, 'Webster' joins players suing NFL

Alex Karras, the former Detroit Lions defensive tackle and TV and movie actor, is the lead plaintiff in the latest lawsuit brought against the NFL by ex-players who say the league didn't properly protect them from concussions.

Karras and his wife, Susan Clark, are the first two of 119 plaintiffs in the complaint filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia, where dozens such cases are pending.

Clark, who also played the wife of Karras' character on the 1980s sitcom "Webster," says in a telephone interview with The Associated Press that the 76-year-old Karras was diagnosed with dementia about seven years ago. She says day-to-day life "would be very difficult for him without help."

Karras was an All-Pro in 1960, 1961 and 1965. He made the Pro Bowl four times.