Justin Langford’s Decision and Determination

Lincoln Way Central’s Justin Langford faced a pivotal choice after discovering a serious injury during the wrestling season. He learned he had torn his right labrum in a winter tournament but continued wrestling unaware of the damage’s extent. “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 needed to decide on his next steps. His passion and future belong to football. Opting for surgery would mean missing the senior season. Instead, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound defensive lineman chose physical therapy. This decision has been rewarding; he is thriving this fall for the Knights despite their recent 42-0 loss to Lincoln-Way East, a powerhouse in the SouthWest Suburban Conference.

The Friday game marked the first district rivalry match since spring 2021. Lincoln-Way Central (4-3, 2-2) faced Lincoln-Way East (7-0, 5-0) in New Lenox, with an early 14-0 deficit. Still, Langford gave the home crowd a reason to cheer after recovering a muffed punt. “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.” Unfortunately, the Knights soon lost possession, and the Griffins continued to dominate.

Langford’s shoulder has remained sound throughout the season. He had scheduled a recruiting visit to Central Michigan on Saturday morning and recently visited Valparaiso in September. “I went through PT and I use some tape,” Langford mentioned. “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.” Despite the setback, Langford appreciated returning to the sport he loves.

Returning to football presented challenges. “It was a little rough,” Langford remarked. “I had PT for strength and 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.” The hard work paid off. In six games since his return, Langford ranks second in team tackles with 28, including 13 solo efforts. He boasts a sack, an interception, and leads with four tackles for losses.

Lincoln-Way Central coach David Woodburn values Langford’s return on defense. “He was a good football player last year, but he has really come into himself this year,” Woodburn noted. “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 are noticing Langford’s performance. Woodburn uses him diversely, including appearances at tight end, which will benefit him at the collegiate level. Langford confirmed his enduring commitment to the sport. “I live for football — I love football,” he stated. “I love higher-level football and I want to do anything I can get my face out there.”

Lincoln-Way Central’s recent matches ended with narrow losses due to impressive opponent catches, making this defeat an anomaly in their season. Regardless of the outcome, Langford expressed gratitude for playing. “I love the brotherhood that I get when I am out here with my teammates,” Langford said. “Win or lose, it’s great to be a part of something like this.”