In football, he helped lead his team to two state playoff appearances, and as a senior, was a first-team All-District choice and a second-team All-State selection.

[4] Although he spent the entire 2005 season backing up Jeff Mitchell appearing sparingly on special teams, and as a reserve on the offensive line, he took over the starting position in the 2006 NFL season after starter Justin Hartwig went down with an injured groin muscle.

Hangartner was signed by the Buffalo Bills on February 28, 2009, to a four-year contract worth about $10 million.

He started all 16 games in 2011 at right guard—next to All-Pro center Ryan Kalil—and was instrumental in the Panthers' resurgence as a potent offense, with rookie Cam Newton at quarterback.

For the 2013 season, Hangartner was expected to move back to his starting right guard spot next to a healthy Kalil.

[8] On November 5, 2013, the Panthers re-signed Hangartner after a three-month absence to help with injuries on the offensive line.