C.J. Ham

Player Information

Cortez Thaddeus Ham Jr. is an American professional football fullback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Augustana Vikings and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Vikings after the 2016 NFL draft. Ham was a running back during his collegiate career and the rookie season of his professional career in 2016, but switched to fullback in the offseason of his second season during the 2017 offseason as a replacement for Zach Line, who had left the Vikings in free agency that offseason and has remained at the position since.
Full Name :
Cortez Thaddeus Ham Jr.
Birthdate :
22 July 1993
Birthplace :
Duluth, Minnesota, USA
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
180
Weight (kg) :
113
Nationality :
United States
Education :
Denfeld (Duluth, Minnesota) (High School), Augustana (SD) (College)
Career Started :
2016
Notable Achievements :
Pro Bowl (2019, 2023), Second-team All-NSIC (2015)
Current Team :
Minnesota Vikings
Drafted :
2016
Drafted by :
Minnesota Vikings
Active Status :
From - 2016, To - Present
Contract :
Contract Year 2023 to 2025, Salary $12,250,000 USD

Biography

C.J. Ham is an NFL player renowned for his impressive athleticism and dedication to community service. He excelled at Duluth Denfeld High School and later played for Augustana University before going undrafted in 2016. As a member of the Minnesota Vikings, he earned Pro Bowl selections in 2019 and 2023. Beyond football, he is deeply involved in charitable activities, particularly supporting local families and youth education. Uncover more about his impactful expedition and achievements.

Early Life

C.J. Ham is a professional football player who exhibited exceptional athletic ability from a young age. During his childhood, he revealed promise in diverse sports, particularly in football and track and field.

While attending high school at Duluth Denfeld, he earned all-conference honors and highlighted his skills by rushing for over 1,800 yards during his junior and senior years. His performance in the Minnesota High School All-Star football game caught the attention of collegiate scouts, leading him to receive a full scholarship to Augustana University in South Dakota.

At the collegiate level, he continued to excel, leading the Northern Sun Conference in rushing yards and touchdowns, ultimately finishing his college career with impressive statistics that included 2,662 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns.

Family Life

C.J. Ham and his wife, Stephanie, embody strong family values through their commitment to community service. Together, they adopt local families during the holidays to provide support and joy, and they organize educational trips for youth, including visits to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

C.J. honors his mother’s legacy by raising awareness for pancreatic cancer during the My Cause My Cleats game, reflecting the importance of family in his life. Their dedication to helping others is further illustrated by C.J.’s surprise gifts and dinners for families during the holidays and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, they hosted a celebration for the Boys & Girls Club to honor C.J.’s nomination for the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, highlighting their active engagement in the community.

Career

C.J. Ham has established a notable career in the NFL since joining as an undrafted free agent in 2016, playing in 130 games. He has been selected for the Pro Bowl twice, in 2019 and 2023, emphasizing his critical role in the Minnesota Vikings’ offense.

In the 2022 season, Ham achieved a career-high with three special teams tackles, highlighting his versatility and contribution to the team’s success. Throughout his career, he has recorded 82 receptions for 670 yards, averaging 8.2 yards per reception, demonstrating his abilities as both a runner and a receiver.

Net Worth

C.J. Ham’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million, with a current figure around $3 million.

He earns an annual salary of approximately $1.5 million from his NFL contract with the Minnesota Vikings.

Throughout his career, C.J. Ham’s notable salary figures include $1.2 million in 2019, $1.4 million in 2020, $1.5 million in 2021, $1.6 million in 2022, and $1.7 million in 2023, alongside different bonuses and endorsements.

His contract extension and active community involvement continue to improve his marketability and potential for financial growth.