Justin Langford, a student at Lincoln Way Central, faced a challenging decision after discovering a torn right labrum during his wrestling season. The injury occurred at a tournament early in the winter, but Langford continued wrestling, unaware of its severity. ‘I didn’t know it was torn until the regionals,’ Langford explained. ‘I couldn’t really use it, so I went to the doctor and found out it was torn.’
Langford’s dilemma was significant. Football, the sport he loves and plans to pursue, presented a contrast to the necessary surgery, which would sideline him for his senior high school football season. Opting for physical therapy, Langford thrived in the fall for the Knights, despite a 42-0 loss to Lincoln-Way East.
The matchup marked the first football game between district rivals since spring 2021. Lincoln-Way Central, with a 4-3, 2-2 record, trailed 14-0 in the second quarter as Lincoln-Way East exerted dominance. Yet Langford offered his home crowd encouragement by recovering a muffed punt, momentarily shifting the game’s momentum. ‘That was fun,’ Langford stated. ‘I thought it was going to be a turning point for us in the game. But that didn’t happen.’
After a turnover on the next play, the Griffins continued to dominate. Nevertheless, Langford’s shoulder remained strong. He scheduled a visit to Central Michigan and had also visited Valparaiso in September. ‘I went through PT and I use some tape,’ Langford said, referring to his shoulder’s current state. ‘I have a brace, and it feels brand new. I feel as good as new. I was upset that I had to miss state for wrestling.’
Returning to football wasn’t easy, Langford commented. ‘It was a little rough,’ he noted. ‘I had PT for strength and I had one for inner muscles. I was going twice a day, then came to football and lift and do everything I could to get back out here.’
In his first six games post-recovery, Langford ranked second on the team with 28 tackles, 13 being solo. He recorded a sack, an interception, and led the team with four tackles for losses. Lincoln-Way Central coach David Woodburn expressed satisfaction with Langford’s presence in the defense. ‘He was a good football player last year, but he has really come into himself this year,’ Woodburn remarked. ‘He’s a leader and is probably one of the fastest kids we have on the defensive side of the ball and maybe even on the team in general.’
Colleges started noticing Langford’s on-field achievements, while Woodburn highlighted his versatility, pointing out occasional plays at tight end. This adaptability will benefit Langford in his college career.
Langford himself expressed a desire to keep playing as long as feasible. ‘I live for football — I love football,’ he said. ‘I love higher-level football and I want to do anything I can get my face out there.’
Despite two losses due to late game-winning catches by opponents, Langford’s resilience on the field remained evident. ‘I love the brotherhood that I get when I am out here with my teammates,’ Langford shared. ‘Win or lose, it’s great to be a part of something like this.’
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.