C.J. Ham

C.J. Ham's Biography

Cortez Thaddeus Ham Jr. is a renowned professional American football player. Born on July 22, 1993, Ham has etched his name in the annals of the National Football League (NFL) by playing as a formidable fullback for the Minnesota Vikings. From college football in Augustana (SD) to being signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent post the 2016 NFL draft, Ham’s sporting journey has been truly inspirational. Indeed, the value of his rookie year in 2016 got recognized by having his rookie card included in the 2020 Panini Select set.

Ham’s journey to football fame began in Duluth Denfeld High School where he graduated in 2011. The budding athlete displayed a knack for both football and track and field. Under the training of head coaches Frank Huie and Chris Vold, Ham secured a position as the running back. He was a three-year letterwinner and a two-year starter for the Hunters, earning 1,873 yards and 24 touchdowns in his junior and senior years combined. Successful in defense as well, he scored 109 tackles. His skills led to all-conference and all-section selections and an all-state honorable mention.

Ham’s athletic prowess continued at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota from 2011 to 2015. A four-year letterwinner in both football and track & field, he amassed an impressive 2,662 yards and 29 touchdowns in the former. Further, he received 949 yards and six touchdowns including 39 catches for 431 yards and three touchdowns in his final season. Demonstrating skill in track and field as well, Ham was a two-time All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) honoree in the shot put. He currently holds the school record in the indoor weight throw and the outdoor hammer throw.

In 2012, during his first year of college, Ham played nine games for his team, starting three as a fullback and securing 404 rushing yards on 82 carries besides catching seven passes for 40 yards. He displayed a spectacular performance against Upper Iowa, rushing for a season-high 105 yards.

Ham enhanced his role in 2013, as a sophomore, by becoming the running back. He participated in all 11 games, rushing 106 times for 422 yards and four touchdowns. His best performance came against SMSU when he rushed for a season’s high of two touchdowns and received 43 yards.

Ham maintained his consistency in 2014, playing in all 11 games for the second successive season. Making six starts as a running back, he scored a team-high of 774 yards and seven touchdowns with an average of 100 all-purpose yards per game. He achieved career-high in rushing yards in a single game with 146 yards and two touchdowns at Minnesota Crookston.

Ham’s senior year in 2015 saw him returning as the starter for all 12 games as the running back. He reached a career-high with 1,097 yards and 16 touchdowns that led to his selection for the All-NSIC second-team. His individual endeavors saw his team making their first-ever playoff appearance since 2010. Furthermore, he won the 2015 NSIC Glen Galligan Award, adding another feather to his cap.

Even off the football field, Ham found success. He won the weight throw event at the NSIC Indoor Championships as a senior and had impressive performances during his freshman, sophomore, and junior years especially in the shot put and the discus throw.

After graduating, Ham participated in the Minnesota Vikings rookie minicamp in 2016 and was signed by the team as a free agent to the 90-man roster. From a bombastic beginning in his first preseason game leading the team in rushing yards, Ham remained consistent throughout, maintaining a prominent presence in the Vikings.

In 2017, Ham made the transition from running back to full-time fullback. He made the active 53-man roster and scored his first NFL touchdown in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He replicated his performances in subsequent years and signed a three-year, $12.25 million contract extension with the Vikings in 2020.

Off-field, Ham has made substantial contributions to society as a health and physical education major at Augustana and plans to be a football and track and field coach. He has been a significant figure in the Sioux Falls School District and the Boys and Girls Club, mentoring his peers. A devout Christian, Ham is a member of Augustana’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes, volunteering at Embrace Church, and speaking at advocacy groups for children with disabilities. Ham’s story is not just about his personal successes but the lives he’s touched on his journey.