Jim Langer

James John Langer (May 16, 1948 – August 29, 2019) was an American professional football player who played center and guard in the National Football League for the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings.

A native of Little Falls, Minnesota, Langer spent his early life in Royalton and graduated from Royalton High School in 1966. He attended South Dakota State University, where he played middle linebacker and was named Honorable Mention All-America in 1969. He also saw time on the team's offensive line, alternating between the tackle and guard positions. A multi-sport athlete, Langer excelled at baseball as well, earning second-team All-America recognition as an outfielder in his junior season. He led the team in hitting, fielding, and pitching as the Jackrabbits won a share of the North Central Conference title.

In the NFL, Langer anchored the offensive line for the Miami Dolphins and later played for the Minnesota Vikings. BBC Sport reported him as one of the greatest centers in NFL history. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1987, making him one of only five Dolphins players elected in their first year of eligibility, alongside Dan Marino, Don Shula, Paul Warfield, and Jason Taylor.