Justin Langford’s Decision and Resilience on the Field

Justin Langford, a player from Lincoln Way Central, faced a tough choice when he discovered a torn right labrum during wrestling season. The injury occurred in a tournament at the beginning of the winter. He continued wrestling despite not knowing the damage’s extent. “I didn’t realize it was torn until regionals,” Langford stated. “I couldn’t use it effectively, so I sought medical advice and confirmed the tear.”

The decision was challenging for Langford. Football is both his passion and future. Surgery would have meant missing his senior high school football season. Instead, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound defensive lineman chose physical therapy. He excelled for the Knights, although they recently lost a 42-0 game against powerhouse Lincoln-Way East. In their first district rivalry game since spring 2021, Lincoln-Way Central, with a 4-3 record, struggled against the undefeated Griffins.

Langford gave the home crowd a moment of hope by recovering a muffed punt. “That was exciting,” he said. “I thought it might turn the game around for us, but it didn’t.” The Knights lost possession on the next play, and the Griffins dominated the remainder of the game.

Langford’s shoulder is holding up well. He visited Central Michigan and Valparaiso as potential college options. “Physical therapy, tape, and a brace have made it feel brand new,” Langford explained about his recovery. He expressed disappointment about missing the wrestling state competition but is glad to return to the field.

Initially, coming back to football was difficult. “It was tough,” Langford admitted. “I had PT for strength and inner muscles, attending sessions twice daily. Then I’d go to football practice and lift weights.”

In his first six games back, Langford ranked second on the team with 28 tackles, including 13 solo, a sack, an interception, and led with four tackles for loss. Coach David Woodburn appreciates Langford’s health and contribution. “He was a good player last year, but he’s really blossomed now,” Woodburn said. “He’s one of the fastest on defense and possibly the team.” Colleges are noticing his performance, and Woodburn uses Langford’s versatility, even at tight end.

Langford is eager to continue playing. “I live for football,” he said. “I love the sport at higher levels and want to get noticed.” Although Lincoln Way Central faced setbacks with last-minute losses, Langford remained enthusiastic about playing again. “The camaraderie with my teammates is invaluable,” he shared. “Win or lose, being part of the team is fantastic.”