Former Petersburg lineman a hit in NFL

Petersburg, VA - Kendall Langford's presence is still being felt in Petersburg (Virginia). Langford, who currently plays defensive end for the Miami Dolphins, was honored at the annual Lachunda McGee Petersburg High School alumni football game Aug. 14 at Cameron Field.

"I'd like to thank Petersburg - the whole city and the school system," Langford said during a phone interview with The Progress-Index in July. "This is my city. Petersburg will always be my city."

And Langford, who graduated from Petersburg High School in 2004, is showing his gratitude. The former Crimson Wave and Hampton University standout has donated three Sorinex weightlifting machines and several lifting platforms, complete with standard and hexagonal grip bars, to the school. The Sorinex machines can be used for both bench and squat lifting. Langford also paid all shipping costs.

The 6-foot-6, 290-pound Langford started 14 games in 2009 for Miami, recording a career-high 43 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He has two solo tackles to his credit through two preseason games this season. But Langford's heart - and not his stats - are why he remains so beloved in Petersburg.

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Dolphins/Former HU Pirates Kendall Langford Unfiltered

Dolphins rookie DE Kendall Langford attempts to knock the snot out of Bills QB J.P. Losman in road game several weeks ago.

Kendall Langford has stood tall all season, anchoring one end of the Dolphins' front line. The Hampton University product, who has contributed 31 tackles, two sacks and three pass deflections this season has been one of the Dolphins' four rookie starters who have held their own this season. His steady play as a run stuffer has not only provided hope for the future, but the present looks pretty bright.

During this unfiltered Langford, the Dolphins' third-round pick, explains why he wouldn't do anything different with his football career if he had to do it all over again, he breaks down the other rookie contributors, and he talks about his team's storybook turnaround.

I'm disappointed to inform you that Langford did dodge my bar fight question, calling it a "trap." Considering he beat out Matt Roth for the starting spot during training camp it's hard to believe he's scared of the team's resident tough guy. But exactly how am I going to force a guy twice my size to answer a question. I tried, but much like this season, Langford held his ground.

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Hampton's Kendall Langford drafted by Miami Dolphins, 3rd Rd. #66

Photo: Hampton University's Kendall Langford, defensive end, was drafted in 3rd Round, #66 by the Miami Dolphins.

DAVIE — The Dolphins were busy trading partners today, trading down to tab defensive end Kendall Langford in the third round and trading up five picks to select offensive guard Shawn Murphy in the fourth round. The Dolphins swapped third-round picks with Detroit early Sunday, and used the 66th selection to draft Langford out of Hampton, a Division I-AA school.

Langford, 22, is the second defensive end drafted in the Dolphins' first four picks, joining Phillip Merling, the Dolphins' 32nd overall pick out of Clemson. The Dolphins also selected offensive tackle Jake Long first overall, and quarterback Chad Henne 57th.

Langford, a 6-foot-5, 294-pound defensive end from Petersburg, Va., compiled 23 1/2 sacks and nine forced fumbles in four years with the Pirates, and was named All-MEAC first team his final three seasons.

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