Undrafted out of South Dakota State in 1970, Jim Langer faced an uphill battle just to earn a spot on an NFL roster. After the Cleveland Browns cut him during training camp, the Miami Dolphins claimed him off waivers, and he spent his first two seasons primarily as a backup linebacker and interior offensive line reserve under head coach Don Shula.

Langer took over the starting center job in 1972 and immediately anchored one of the most legendary seasons in pro football history. Playing every single offensive snap during the Dolphins' perfect 17–0 campaign, he provided flawless pass protection and relentless run blocking for Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris, culminating in a victory over Washington in Super Bowl VII.

The dominant center elevated his play even further in 1973, helping Miami repeat as world champions with a convincing 24–7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII. That stellar championship season kicked off a six-year streak of Pro Bowl selections from 1973 through 1978, during which Langer was widely recognized as the NFL’s premier center.

Flanked by guard Larry Little and tackle Wayne Moore, Langer served as the brain center of Miami's famous "Offensive Machine." His combination of upper-body strength, quick footwork, and scheme intelligence earned him four First-Team AP All-Pro selections (1974, 1975, 1976, and 1977), making him a cornerstone of the franchise's 1970s dynasty.

After ten seasons in South Florida, Langer requested a trade back to his home region to finish his career. He played his final two professional seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (1980–1981) before retiring at age 33.

In 1987, Langer entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton in his first year of eligibility, one of few undrafted players elected on the first ballot. In 1990, he became an inaugural Miami Dolphins Honor Roll member.