Jim Langer was the anchor of the Miami offensive line during the Dolphins’ championship years of the 1970s. Coming out of South Dakota State in 1970, he was signed as a free agent by Cleveland but was released on the final cut. Langer was picked up on waivers by the Dolphins and, after spending most of the year on the taxi squad, played in the final five games of 1970, mainly on special teams. After serving as a backup at center the following season, he won the starting job in 1972, which he would hold until sidelined with a knee injury in 1979. A consensus All-Pro from 1973-77, Langer was a six-time Pro Bowl selection (five times as a starter).
Over a 10-year period from 1970-79, he played in 128 straight games. He also made 109 consecutive starts between 1972-79. Voted the team’s Most Valuable Player by South Florida media in 1975, Langer also holds the distinction of having played every offensive down in the Dolphins’ perfect 1972 season. Wanting to spend the final years of his career near his Royalton, Minn. home, at his own request, Langer was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 1980, where he played for two seasons (1980-81). He was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. In addition, on Nov. 19, 1990, he was enshrined on the Dolphins Honor Roll at Hard Rock Stadium.
He also was a charter inductee in the Dolphins’ Walk of Fame on Dec. 4, 2011 and was voted as one of the Dolphins’ all-time top 50 players, as part of the franchise’s 50th season celebration in 2015.
Image Gallery of Jim Langer, Center, 1970-1981
Jim Langer Football Cards
