Former Vikings player Jim Langer among NFL’s all-time best centers
By Adam Carlson
Former Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Jim Langer was listed on NFL.com as one of the best centers of all time in the National Football League.
Over the years, the Minnesota Vikings have has many great players lined up in the middle of the offensive line. Greats such as Matt Birk, Chris Hovan, and Mick Tingelhoff have all earned honors at the center position.
However, Gil Brandt has been making lists of the greatest players to play along the offensive line in history of the NFL, and this time he focused on the centers and one member of Minnesota’s team was featured.
The individual included in Brandt’s countdown is Jim Langer. The NFL Media senior analyst placed him at #9 on their list.
More from The Viking Age
- 6 biggest draft steals in Minnesota Vikings history
- Former Vikings first-round pick could reportedly return to NFC North
- Bears analyst has extremely embarrassing Kirk Cousins take
- 6 Vikings who (maybe) won’t make the 53-man roster in 2023
- Predicting what the Vikings will do in the 2023 NFL Draft based on 2022
Langer spent two years with the Minnesota Vikings after being with the Miami Dolphins for 10 seasons following being an undrafted free agent in 1970. He was also excellent when on special teams, as he was known for the punt blocking skills. Here is what Brandt listed as Langer’s achievements in the piece:
- Two-time Super Bowl champion
- Voted to six Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro four times
- Started 110 of 151 NFL games
- Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Noticeably absent from this list is Pro Football Hall of Fame center Mick Tingelhoff. The 6 time Pro Bowl and 6 time All-Pro was a key component in the 1969 NFL Championship team and had his jersey number retired along with entering Minnesota’s Ring of Honor.
Next: Vikings among all time greatest tackles
Congratulations to former Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Jim Langer for earning a spot on this countdown of top centers ever to play in the NFL. Hopefully the next list of top centers will not forget Tingelhoff.