Here are some of the people in the sports world celebrating birthdays on July 15:

Alex Karras
Age: 77
Profession: Retired NFL Player / Actor
Best Known For: A four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Alex Karras played with the Detroit Lions from 1958 to 1970. He was suspended in 1963 for placing bets on NFL games. Karras also wrestled professionally before his NFL career and during his suspension. He served as an analyst on ‘Monday Night Football’ broadcasts from 1974 to 1976. Additionally, Karras had a long acting career, including a role in the 1974 Mel Brooks’ comedy film ‘Blazing Saddles’ and on the ABC sitcom Webster from 1983 to 1987.

Jesse Ventura
Age: 61
Profession: Retired Professional Wrestler / Actor / Politician
Best Known For: Known for audacious behavior and colorful speeches which would later aide his political career, Jesse Ventura was a professional wrestling star in both the American Wrestling Association and World Wrestling Federation from 1975 to 1986. He later served as an analyst for the WWF, before embarking on an acting career which included the 1987 action film ‘Predator.’ After serving as mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota from 1991 to 1995, Ventura was elected as governor of Minnesota in 1998. He served from 1999 to 2003.

Carnell Lake
Age: 45
Profession: Retired NFL Player
Best Known For: A five-time Pro Bowl defensive back, Carnell Lake played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens from 1989 to 2001. Lake was elected to the NFL’s 1990s All-Decade Team for his play with the Steelers. He was the AFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1997.

Eric Lacroix
Age: 41
Profession: Retired NFL Player
Best Known For: A solid NHL left wing, Eric Lacroix played from 1992 to 2001 for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators.

Jonathan Cheechoo
Age: 32
Profession: Former NHL Player
Best Known For: A high-scoring right wing, Jonathan Cheechoo has played in the NHL since 2002. Cheechoo has played with the San Jose Sharks and Ottawa Senators and currently plays in the St. Louis Blues’ organization. He led the NHL in scoring in the 2005-06 season, scoring 56 goals while with San Jose.

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