20 Facts About Jim Langer

James John Langer was an American professional football player who was a center and guard in the National Football League for the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings.

Jim Langer was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1987.

Jim Langer is one of only five Dolphins players to get elected to the Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility; the others being Dan Marino, Don Shula, Paul Warfield, and Jason Taylor.

Jim Langer spent his early life at Royalton and graduated from the Royalton High School in 1966.

Jim Langer played middle linebacker at South Dakota State University, where in 1969 he was Honorable Mention All-America.

Jim Langer played on the team's offensive line, alternating between the tackle and guard positions.

Jim Langer excelled at baseball, making a second-team All-America selection as an outfielder in his junior season.

Jim Langer led the team in hitting, field and pitching as the Jacks won a share of the North Central Conference title.

Jim Langer signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins and saw limited action for his first 2 seasons.

Jim Langer played a decisive role in the game where the ball was run 53 times for 196 yards by the Dolphins.

Jim Langer appeared in the Pro Bowl each of those seasons.

Jim Langer played in three Super Bowls with the Dolphins, losing in Super Bowl VI, but winning in Super Bowl VII and Super Bowl VIII.

Jim Langer wanted to stay closer to his home, and was accordingly traded to the Minnesota Vikings prior to the 1980 season, playing his final 2 NFL seasons with them before retiring after the 1981 campaign.

Jim Langer played 22 games as a Viking player from his overall 151 games.

Jim Langer made one of his total 110 starts with the Vikings.

Jim Langer handled the color commentator duties for the football broadcasts of St Cloud State University Huskies.

Jim Langer was inducted to the Dolphins Honor Roll and in the Dolphins Walk of Fame.

Jim Langer lived in Ramsey, Minnesota, had married Linda and had four children.

In 2013, President Barack Obama honored the entire 1972 Perfect Season Dolphins at an event in the White House, but Jim Langer declined to attend for political reasons.

Jim Langer's death made him the third player from the 1972 Dolphins team to die in 2019, along with Bob Kuechenberg and Nick Buoniconti.