Vikings FB C.J. Ham Gets 2-Year Extension

Josh Frey |

Mar 22, 2023

Dec 9, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham (30) looks on prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the first year and change of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s tenure as the Minnesota Vikings GM, it’s become very clear that he values players that bring versatility to the football field. It’s hard to find a more versatile offensive weapon than Vikings FB C.J. Ham, and as a result, it appears that the fullback has earned himself a two-year extension to remain with the team after some speculation that 2022 may have been his last season in Minnesota.

Vikings FB C.J. Ham — Nov 8, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

The extension was announced by Ham’s agency, Team IFA, via social media on Wednesday evening. As of now, it’s unclear as to how much the extension will be worth, but it appears Ham is in Minnesota for the long haul.

This past season, Ham appeared in all 17 games for the Vikings, and while he was mainly used for his blocking prowess offensively, he also caught 10 passes for 82 yards and had 4 carries that ended in 7 yards and 2 touchdowns.

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills — Nov 13, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Minnesota Vikings full back C.J. Ham (30) reacts to scoring a touchdown along with Minnesota Vikings tackle Brian O’Neill (75) during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Ham, a Duluth native, joined the Vikings in 2017 as an undrafted free agent. He went to college at the University of Augustana in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he recorded 2662 rushing yards and 29 rushing TDs from 2011-15.

The fullback has not only been a versatile weapon for the Vikings, but he has also been a picture of health throughout his career. In his first six seasons with the Vikings, he’s never played fewer than 15 games. In all, he’s played 96 games for the Vikings, including 33 starts, and he’s recorded 70 receptions for 610 yards and 2 touchdowns. As a rusher, he’s recorded 36 carries for 97 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Jan 9, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham (30) runs the ball while pursued by Chicago Bears inside linebacker Roquan Smith (58) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

For his efforts in 2019, a season in which he had 17 receptions, 149 yards, and a touchdown and helped the Vikings make the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs, Ham was named to the Pro Bowl as the NFC’s fullback representative.

With some uncertainty in the Vikings backfield regarding the future of starting RB Dalvin Cook, Ham should help provide some stability in the backfield while also being his usual self in terms of blocking and receiving prowess.

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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken