James John Langer(born May 16, 1948, in Little Falls, Minnesota)attended college at South Dakota State, playing as a middle linebacker. Signed as a free agent in the NFL by the Cleveland Browns in 1970, and was cut and soon found home with the Miami 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.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 Minnesota Vikings, with whom he played two more seasons.

Langer was named All-Pro and All-AFC six 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.