Vikings fullback C.J. Ham caps nine-year NFL career

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Minnesota Vikings fullback and former Augustana football standout C.J. Ham has officially retired from the NFL.

Ham signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2016 as an undrafted free agent following his graduation from Augustana University. The fullback went on to play nine years in the league, serving as a team captain for the final four.

“He had the respect of the locker room for his work ethic, how he showed up every day, who he was as a teammate, and obviously his physical abilities,” Olszewski said. “To have the tenure in the NFL with one team is so uncommon.”

“The leadership that he brings I think is just natural,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips told KELOLAND in August of 2024. “He’s really just a great success story and a lot of that comes from his background, his personality, and I’m sure his upbringing.”

Ham was selected for two pro bowls, received two Walter Payton Man of the Year nominations, and was named Vikings Special Teams Player of the Year in 2018.

“I don’t know if you could have a better resume for doing good and doing well and running your platform as well as you can than C.J. Ham,” Olszewski said.

Augustana and Minnesota teammates and coaches alike won’t remember Ham for the accolades as a football player, but who he is as person.

“Him being in the league a year more than me, I’ve kind of gotten that experience from him,” Dalvin Cook told KELOLAND in August of 2022. “Just knowing how to carry myself
in the building and how to be a pro.”

Prioritizing faith, family, and football.

“He lives that way 24/7, 365 and he doesn’t apologize for it,” Olszewski said. “That’s hard to do in the National Football League but he stayed true to who he is and how he got there. He’s going to be a servant for the rest of his days.”

Ham appeared in 141 games throughout his NFL career, recording eight touchdowns, including one in his final game against the Green Bay Packers.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.