Family guides Garner Langlo in long journey

Family, Faith and Football is a principle that many live by worldwide – senior offensive lineman Garner Langlo included. His football journey has tested his faith, but through that very faith and support of his family he has continued to persevere.  

For Langlo, football is deeper than a game, every day he’s chasing his dream when he puts on his helmet. 

As alluded to earlier, having the opportunity to compete athletically at the highest level is a dream for every student athlete, but there’s a journey attached to achieving that dream. As for Langlo, it starts with finding a place that matches his nitty, gritty attitude to call home. 

“This is my first year here, but Troy’s always kind of felt like home – this program is accepting me in no problem,” Langlo said. 

Prior to arriving at Troy, Langlo began his collegiate career at Auburn University – Rivals and 247Sports rated Langlo as a top-50 interior offensive lineman as well as a top-100 overall prospect in the state of Florida. Through two years at Auburn, Langlo saw no game action after redshirting in 2021.  

Dark times soon hit as Langlo decided to step away from the game for two years. During that time a 9-to-5 consumed the hours that were previously dedicated to practice and film study, but something was off. Langlo decided to resume his career by entering the NCAA Transfer Portal in April of 2024.  

“How am I going to tell someone not to quit one day when I walked away from that opportunity, so I put myself back in it,” Langlo said. “It all ties back to doing it for my brother next to me.” 

This initial trip into the transfer portal led the then redshirt junior to the Sun Belt. As an App State Mountaineer, Langlo took snaps at three positions within the offensive line through 10 games. It is noteworthy to mention Langlo allowed only one sack through 273 pass protection snaps.  

At this point, Langlo was in search of a home for his final season of collegiate football, which led him to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal for a second time in December of 2024. In search of a blue-collar environment, Troy became an immediate contender. Langlo soon committed and signed on the dotted line to officially become a Troy Trojan. 

“I knew I wanted to stay in the Sun Belt, so why not play for the best team in the Sun Belt?” Langlo said. 

As illustrated, the journey of a collegiate athlete is not always linear. While enduring the ups and downs of life, athletes are expected to uphold their athletic responsibilities. Such a weight is one that can’t be carried alone.  

“I have the best support system back home – my mom and dad are 10 toes down behind me,” Langlo said. “I’m very fortunate family is important and they care about that here.  

“This is a family program.” 

Now, the only question left to answer is – why? Why did Garner Langlo decide it was time to return to the football field? 

“Family, respect and my last name … Langlo,” Langlo said. “I won’t be known as ‘that guy.’ 

“I want to be known as a dude.” 

Off the field, Langlo enjoys being out in nature. When he’s not wearing pads and a helmet, he often is wearing hunting gear or on a boat fishing. 

Currently, Langlo is playing out his final year of collegiate eligibility. With his primary focus being on football, any post-graduation plans are distant thoughts. As Garner Langlo takes field alongside the Men of Troy, his journey serves as a reminder that through resilience anything is possible.