T.J. Lang makes $500,000 donation to EMU Athletics

Eastern Michigan University received a very big check from a very big man on Wednesday afternoon as Detroit Lions guard T.J. Lang donated $500,000 to EMU Athletics.

The donation, third-largest in the department’s history, will help go towards the school’s Championship Building Plan, an “innovative community engagement program” that expects to creates new facilities for all 21 varsity-sponsored sports and 500+ student-athletes that attend EMU.

Lang is an active member of the Champions Advisory Board that is in charge of implementing the Championship Building Plan, which seeks to “consolidate department infrastructure, create academic opportunities, and strengthen student, fan, community and alumni experiences.”

"My family and I are excited to have the opportunity to give back to Eastern Michigan Athletics," Lang said in a press release. "Eastern Michigan gave me the opportunity to receive a great education and fulfill my dream of playing in the National Football League. The Championship Building Plan will have a huge impact on all EMU student-athletes. I think it is important to always take care of those who took care of you and I'm excited to continue my involvement with the University for years to come."

Lang, who switched from the defensive line to the offensive line between his freshman and sophomore years, started 36 straight games for the Eagles and was drafted in the fourth round by the Green Bay Packers.

Lang played left guard on the line, protecting Aaron Rodgers’ blind side over the last eight seasons. Lang has won a Super Bowl with the Packers and was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career last season.

Lang signed a three-year deal with the Detroit Lions this offseason. Lang is originally from Royal Oak, Michigan and played his high school ball at Bloomfield Hills-Brother Rice in Birmingham, Michigan.

As part of the donation, the strength and conditioning building will be renamed the Thomas J. Lang Strength and Conditioning Center.

The Championship Building plan is still pending the approval of the EMU Board of Regents and will be presented in full to the public at a later date.