Harvey Langi

BIOGRAPHY

Havea Hikuleo “Harvey” Langi, conjures a cherished sportsman, born on 24th September 1992. He left an indelible mark on American football, where he fortified his name as a remarkable linebacker. Although currently a free agent, his football career boasts prominent engagements with esteemed teams like the New England Patriots and the New York Jets. Demonstrating a profound influence throughout his sports career, Langi’s journey is entwined with distinct moments of exceptional performance and avid commitment to his craft.

Initiating his career in college, Langi played for Brigham Young University (BYU). The dawn of 2017 ushered in a life-changing highlight when he accepted an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl on January 10. He left a captivating mark on January 28 in the Senior Bowl with three combined tackles, alongside an interception that clinched the South’s victory over the North in a nail-biting finish. His interception, which eventually sealed the victory, occurred during a two-point conversion post a North touchdown. This clutch moment saw him snatch the ball mid-air after it deflected off a defender from Nathan Peterman’s pass.

After his phenomenal performance, Langi embraced the opportunity to attend the NFL Combine. However, due to an unfortunate hamstring injury, he was only able to perform the bench press, vertical jump, and broad jump. Undeterred by the setback, Langi exhibited his determination by participating at BYU’s pro day alongside comrades like Jamaal Williams, Taysom Hill, and Kai Nacua on March 24. His demonstration of the 40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, short shuttle, three-cone drill, and positional drills garnered widespread attention from 26 NFL teams. According to NFLDraftScout.com, Langi emerged as the 13th best inside linebacker prospect in the draft.

Langi’s undrafted status in 2017 did not hamper his career, as the New England Patriots offered him a three-year contract worth $1.68 million on April 30. This contract surpassed the average offer to a sixth-round pick and matched that for a fifth, demonstrating the Patriots’ faith in his potential. He engaged in rigorous training alongside Elandon Roberts and Trevor Bates, and subsequently secured the starting middle linebacker position. Remarkably, he was one out of four undrafted free agents who made the final cut for the 53-man roster.

Langi proactively began the 2017 season as the third middle linebacker, cementing his career alteration. He debuted his professional regular season journey on September 17 against the New Orleans Saints, marking his first career tackle. An unfortunate car accident led to his placement on the reserve/non-football injury list, but the Patriots without Langi, still clinched their spot in Super Bowl LII.

Despite being released as part of the roster cutdown in 2018, Langi remained undeterred and persevered. He later joined the New York Jets’ practice squad in October 2018 and earned a reserve/future contract in 2019. During the 2020 season, Langi further demonstrated his prominence as he ascended to a backup middle linebacker position. He suffered an injury towards the end of the year, but that didn’t thwart his spirits. He recommitted to the Patriots in May 2021, only to be placed on an injured reserve list due to an MCL sprain.

He kicked off 2022 with a contract extension with the Patriots but was released near the end of August and subsequently positioned in the practice squad. His second association with the Patriots ended on October 3 after a limited two-game presence. However, Langi’s career took another turn as he joined the Denver Broncos’ practice squad the following week but left after appearing in just one game.

His career, now entwined with the Las Vegas Raiders, began on their practice squad in late December 2022 and was subsequently promoted to the active roster. Moreover, Langi’s lineage includes an equally promising athlete, his younger brother; Lolani Langi. After serving a two-year mission at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Lolani committed to play football at Washington State University but deferred his entry to serve his LDS mission.

Langi’s career is not only about glorious ups, but also grand fights. An unforgettable incident occurred on October 13, 2017, when Langi and his wife, Cassidy, were severely injured in a car accident. The driver, Kevin M. Conroy, who caused the mishap, was charged with felony possession of a Class E substance, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, possession of alcohol, and a marked lane violation. Conroy’s Jeep, moving at a considerable speed and containing various prescription drugs, rear-ended Langi’s vehicle. Langi suffered injuries to his head, neck, and back, while his wife broke both hips and multiple ribs. Despite this incident, Langi endured, showcasing his invincible spirit on and off the field.