C.J. Ham Bio
Cortez Thaddeus Ham Jr., known professionally as C.J. Ham, is an American former professional football player who spent ten seasons as a fullback in the National Football League (NFL). He played his entire NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings, joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2016 after a standout college career at Augustana University. Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and listed at 250 pounds, Ham became a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a respected leader in the Minnesota locker room.
Originally a running back, Ham transitioned to fullback in 2017 and developed into one of the most reliable lead blockers in the league. He retired from professional football in February 2026 after a decade of service with the Vikings organization.
Early Life and Background
Cortez Thaddeus Ham Jr. was born on July 22, 1993, in Duluth, Minnesota, where he grew up and developed his early love for athletics. He attended Duluth Denfeld High School and graduated in 2011, starring in both football and track and field for the Hunters. In football, Ham played running back under head coaches Frank Huie and Chris Vold, earning three varsity letters and starting for two seasons.
During his junior and senior years at Denfeld, Ham logged 1,873 total yards and scored 24 touchdowns, while also contributing on defense with 109 tackles. His all-conference and all-section honors, combined with an all-state honorable mention, marked him as one of the most promising athletes in the area. Ham’s success on the gridiron and in throwing events during his high school years set the stage for his transition to the college ranks.
Path to American Football
Ham’s path to the professional level began at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he competed from 2011 to 2015. A four-year letterwinner in both football and track and field, he became one of the most versatile athletes in Augustana Vikings history. On the football field, Ham recorded 570 carries for 2,662 yards and 29 touchdowns, while also catching 96 passes for 949 yards and six touchdowns across his career.
In track and field, Ham earned All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) honors in the shot put and still holds Augustana school records in the indoor weight throw and the outdoor hammer throw. His senior season in 2015 brought career highs of 1,097 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, and he helped lead the Augustana Vikings to their first playoff appearance since 2010. He was also awarded the NSIC Glen Galligan Award for academics and positive contributions to the university.
C.J. Ham Career
Early Career (2016)
Ham entered the NFL in 2016 after going undrafted in the 2016 NFL draft. He participated in the Minnesota Vikings rookie minicamp on a trial basis, then signed as a free agent to the 90-man roster on May 10, 2016, becoming the fifth player in Augustana history to join an NFL team. Ham impressed during the preseason, leading Minnesota in rushing with 140 yards on 44 carries and scoring two touchdowns, including a 10-yard score in his first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Despite his preseason performance, Ham was released in final roster cuts on September 3, 2016, and was signed to the practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on December 23, finishing his rookie year learning the Vikings’ offensive system as a running back.
Minnesota Vikings Fullback Era (2017–2019)
During the 2017 rookie minicamp, Ham announced his switch from running back to fullback, replacing Zach Line, who had signed with the New Orleans Saints in free agency. He made the 53-man roster and scored his first NFL touchdown in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-yard run. That season, Ham totaled seven carries for 13 yards and a touchdown, along with seven receptions for 68 yards.
In 2018, Ham appeared in 15 games and recorded 11 receptions for 85 yards while continuing to develop his blocking role. His 2019 season was his breakout year, appearing in all 16 games and posting 17 receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. The honor reflected his growing importance in Minnesota’s offense and special teams units.
Vikings Veteran Years (2020–2024)
On March 18, 2020, Ham signed a three-year, $12.25 million contract extension, solidifying his role with the team. That year, he appeared in 15 games with 11 starts, scoring a receiving touchdown in Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He continued to be a steady presence on special teams throughout the 2021 and 2022 seasons, appearing in all 17 games each year and scoring two rushing touchdowns in 2022.
Ham signed a two-year extension on March 24, 2023, keeping him under contract through 2025. That season, he played all 17 games and earned his second Pro Bowl selection. On December 5, 2024, he was named the Vikings’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, honoring his leadership and charitable work. He appeared in all 17 games in 2024, splitting time between offense and special teams.
2025 Season and Retirement
Ham missed the first four games of the 2025 NFL season due to a knee injury before being activated from injured reserve on October 4, 2025. On February 5, 2026, he announced his retirement from the NFL following ten seasons in the league, closing a career that began as an undrafted rookie and ended as a respected veteran leader.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ham’s game was built on physicality, intelligence, and reliability as a lead blocker. He excelled in short-yardage and goal-line situations, using his compact frame and low pad level to create lanes for ball carriers. His special teams work showcased his tackling ability and football IQ, while his rapport with the Vikings’ coaching staff made him a trusted piece of the offense for nearly a decade.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Ham’s career milestones were his two Pro Bowl selections in 2019 and 2023, his 2016 preseason rushing title, and his first NFL touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017. The Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination in 2024 highlighted his impact off the field, and his retirement announcement capped a ten-year journey that began as an undrafted free agent from Augustana.
C.J. Ham Career Wins
Although listed as a fullback, Ham’s stat line reflects a unique role in the modern NFL, combining limited rushing work with reliable receiving and special teams contributions. He finished his NFL career with 119 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns on 42 carries, along with 84 receptions for 681 receiving yards and 2 receiving touchdowns, plus 54 total tackles. His true value came in the box scores as a blocker and special teamer rather than a traditional stat-sheet producer.
Vikings Highlights
Ham’s most memorable moments with the Vikings included his first NFL touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017 and his two Pro Bowl seasons in 2019 and 2023. He appeared in all 17 games in three consecutive seasons from 2021 through 2023, demonstrating remarkable durability. His 2020 contract extension and 2023 extension both underscored the organization’s belief in his leadership and dependability.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the NFL, Ham’s college accolades included All-NSIC second-team honors in 2015, the NSIC Glen Galligan Award, and Augustana school records in the indoor weight throw and outdoor hammer throw. His contributions to Habitat for Humanity projects and advocacy work for children with disabilities also defined his broader impact.
C.J. Ham Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ham was raised in Duluth, Minnesota, where he attended Denfeld High School and emerged as a multi-sport standout. His athletic foundation in both football and track and field reflected the values of hard work and perseverance instilled during his early years in the Midwest.
Personal Life
Ham majored in physical education and health at Augustana, with plans to teach and coach football and track and field after football. He has been a committed Christian and an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, volunteering with Embrace Church and serving as a mentor in the Sioux Falls School District. Ham has also spoken publicly about overcoming a lifelong speech disorder and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity through the Augustana football program.
2025 Season Performance
Ham’s 2025 season began with a setback, as a knee injury kept him sidelined for the first four games of the year. He was activated from injured reserve on October 4, 2025, and returned to his familiar role on offense and special teams. His veteran presence remained valuable for a Vikings team navigating the second half of the schedule.
Although his on-field production was limited by the early absence, Ham’s leadership and experience continued to shape Minnesota’s locker room culture. Following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, he announced his retirement from the NFL on February 5, 2026, closing the book on a ten-year career that earned two Pro Bowl selections and a Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination. His legacy with the Vikings organization remains that of a steady, selfless, and community-driven professional.