Hometown Heroes is a series celebrating athletes from the Bloomfield area who have made a lasting impact on the field and in their community. Each story highlights their journey from local roots to professional sports leagues, showcasing the pride of the place we call home. This edition features T.J. Lang, a Brother Rice alum whose determination and talent carried him from Michigan high school football to becoming a Super Bowl champion.
Thomas John “T.J.” Lang was born September 20, 1987, in the suburbs of Detroit. He attended Lakeland High School in White Lake before transferring to Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Hills. He played on both the offensive and defensive lines for the football team. As a senior, he totaled 59 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Lang attended Eastern Michigan University from 2005 to 2008, where he started his college career as a defensive lineman before transitioning to the offensive line as a sophomore, taking over at tackle–a position he would hold for the rest of his college career, starting in 36 consecutive games.
In the 2009 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Lang in the 4th round with the 109th overall pick. His fall was a bit unexpected, given his dependable play in college and several coaches’ notes on his potential to play multiple line positions. Lang’s early years in Green Bay continued to reflect his consistent, reliable play. He settled into a guard role, where his true talent and potential showed. In the 2010 season, the Packers won Super Bowl XLV, and Lang earned a championship ring for his contributions. His efforts paid off: in August of 2012, Lang signed a four-year extension with the Packers worth $20.8 million. Additionally, for his strong play during the 2016 season, he earned his first Pro Bowl nomination.
In March of 2017, Lang returned to Detroit, signing a three-year contract with his hometown team, the Lions. He started in 13 games in his first season in Detroit and earned his second Pro Bowl appearance. Unfortunately, in 2018, Lang suffered numerous injuries to his head, neck, and back before he was ultimately placed on injured reserve. This would be his last season in the NFL, announcing his retirement in the following spring.
T.J. Lang’s career came full circle, beginning and ending in Detroit. Even after retirement, Lang remains a symbol of hard work and excellence, continuing to inspire young athletes from the Bloomfield area and beyond.
