Former NFL Player, ‘Blazing Saddles’ Actor Near Death from Kidney Failure [VIDEO]

How many of you remember this movie quote: "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!" If you know that quote, then you know the 1974 movie "Blazing Saddles," One of the best comedies ever made. Well, a former NFL player who was in the movie as Mongo, is now fighting for his life. NFL superstar Alex Karras, who played for the Detroit Lions and then had a great career as an actor, is suffering from kidney failure and doctors believe he has only days to live.

The 77-year-old has been suffering from dementia as other professional football players released from the Santa Monica hospital where he was being treated ... and is now on hospice care at his California home.

Karras recently joined a lawsuit against the NFL, in which he claims he now suffers from dementia as a result of his playing days with the Detroit Lions. He was also diagnosed with cancer.

Karras was a huge part of Lions dominant defense in the '60s.  He also appeared on a ton of TV shows, and became a sitcom star on the hit '80s show, "Webster."

The Lions have released a statement about Karras to the Associated Press... saying,

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."

WARNING: LANGUAGE!

ALEX KARRAS AS MONGO IN "BLAZING SADDLES"