Langer, "Jim" (James J.)
Football
b. May 16, 1948, Little Falls, MN
No professional teams drafted Langer after he finished his college career at South Dakota State University. He tried out with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers in 1970, was cut, and the Miami Dolphins signed him.
Langer spent two seasons as a backup center and guard before becoming Miami's starting center in 1972. The Dolphins won seventeen games that year, including the Super Bowl, and Langer was in on every offensive play of every victory.
The 6-foot-2, 255-pound Langer had the strength to block defensive tackles one-on-one and the speed to move through the line and take out linebackers. He was also a very good pass blocker.
An all conference center for six consecutive years, 1973 through 1978, Langer was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 1980. He retired after the 1981 season.