James John Langer is a former American football center who played for the National Football League's Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings. He is considered one of the greatest NFL centers of all time and a hard working and quick blocker. Langer was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. Langer played middle linebacker at South Dakota State University, where in 1969 he was Honorable Mention All-America. Langer was signed by the Cleveland Browns as a free agent in 1970, but was cut during training camp. Langer signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins and saw limited action for his first 2 seasons. Langer became the starter at center in the 1972 season and played in 141 consecutive games over 8 seasons until a knee injury ended his playing days with Miami nine games into the 1979 season. Langer was traded to the Minnesota Vikings prior to the 1980 season, playing 2 seasons with the Vikings before retiring after the 1981 campaign. During a 6-year stretch in the mid-1970s, Langer was named First-team All-Pro 4 times 1974-1977, and Second-team Team All-Pro twice, in 1973 and 1978. He also appeared in the Pro Bowl each of those seasons. 

May 16th, 1948 in Little Falls  /  Died:   Aug 29th, 2019 - aged 71