Jim Langer
IlookbacknowandIcanseethattheonlyadvantagetobeingdraftedhighisfinancially.IthinkaplayerthatcomesupthewayIdidgetalotmoreoutofthegame.IfmycareerendedtodayortomorrowIdon’tthinkIcouldsayIgotabaddeal.Ihavenothingbadtosayaboutthegame.Ithinkit’sbecauseofthefactthatIcameupthewayIdid.IfeelIearnedmyjobandthatI’mjustifiedwhereIam.
Jim Langer joined the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in 1970, stayed with the club for 10 years through the 1979 season and then wound up his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 1980 and 1981. In his decade with the Dolphins, Jim developed from an obscure substitute to one of the finest centers ever to play.
Langer was named first-team All-Pro four times and All-AFC five straight years from 1973 to 1977 and was also picked for the Pro Bowl six straight times. During that period, he started in three AFC championship games and Super Bowls VI, VII and VIII.
Many qualified observers insist that Langer was the most proficient performer on a talent laden offensive line that fueled Miami's vaunted ball-control offense. Jim played middle linebacker at South Dakota State before being signed by the Cleveland Browns as a free agent early in 1970, but was cut during training camp. Jim then latched on with the Dolphins.
For two years, he saw only limited action as a guard and a special teams player. But In 1972, he switched to center, won the starting job and wound up playing every offensive down in Miami's perfect season.
Hard working and quick, Langer was a compact, low-driving blocker who had the strength to stymie the bigger defensive linemen. At first, Jim snapped only on T-formation scrimmage plays but, after long practice in his own backyard, he started snapping on punts and placekicks in 1974. Langer also proved to be durable.
Continuing to play in spite of injuries, Jim saw service in 141 consecutive games from 1972 until a knee injury ended his Miami tenure with seven games left in the 1979 season. Early in the 1980 campaign, he was traded to the Vikings, with whom he played two more seasons.
Jim Langer, 1948 - 2019
Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Langer passed away Aug. 29, 2019. He was 71.
Hall of Fame Presdient David Baker remarked, “He lived an incredible life. From a free agent to a Bronze Bust, Jim’s selfless sacrifice, perseverance and never giving up on his goal are important life lessons that can inspire us all. He was the ultimate teammate. His contributions to this game, especially how integral he was to the Miami Dolphins’ sustained success throughout the 1970s, will live forever in Canton, Ohio."
Read the full tribute article and watch a video honoring Langer here.
