Alex Karras, the Detroit Lions defensive lineman who went on to star in the sitcom Webster, died Wednesday at the age of 77.

Karras, who recently suffered kidney failure, died at home in Los Angeles surrounded by family members, said Craig Mitnick, Karras’ attorney; the athlete turned actor also battled dementia in the later years of his life.

In April, Karras joined more than 3,500 former NFL players suing the league for not protecting them better from head injuries.

The NFL has since stepped up the way teams and physician deal with players who suffer concussions during games because of the unknown impact it can have on players longterm.

The Lions drafted Karras with the 10th overall pick in 1958 out of Iowa and he was a four-time All-Pro defensive tackle over 12 seasons with the franchise.