Jim Langer, who grew up in Royalton, Minn., and rose from undrafted middle linebacker at South Dakota State to starting center for Miami’s undefeated 1972 team and first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer in 1987, died Friday at age 71, the Dolphins announced.
Langer, who ended his 12-year career with the Vikings in 1980 and 1981, was a four-time first-team All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl winner. He played every offensive snap in 1972, when the Dolphins went 17-0 en route to winning Super Bowl VII.
The Dolphins became repeat champions a year later when they routed the Vikings 24-7 in Super Bowl VIII.