C.J. Ham, a Duluth native whose high school exploits at Denfeld left a lasting imprint on Minnesota football, is set to be inducted into the DECC Athletic Hall of Fame, a testament to a career defined by perseverance and service.
Roots in Duluth
Born and raised in the port city, Ham starred for Duluth Denfeld, where as a junior he amassed over 1,000 rushing yards and guided his team to the Section 7AAAA championship game. The following year he trimmed down, sharpened his athleticism and began attracting attention beyond the Northland.
Augustana University was the only college that recognized Ham’s potential as a runner, offering him a scholarship to play running back. Though undrafted, he earned a spot at a Minnesota Vikings pro day, caught the eye of coaches, and spent the 2016 season on the practice squad before seeing limited game action.
A breakout in 2017 saw Ham make the Vikings’ active roster as a fullback. In that role he helped pave the way for five different 1,000‑yard rushers, a contribution that earned him two Pro Bowl selections over a decade‑long NFL career.
Beyond the gridiron, Ham has carried forward a philosophy of serving others, a lesson he learned while blocking for teammates. That mindset has shaped his community involvement, reinforcing the support he has always felt from Duluth’s fans and neighbors.
Now, as he prepares for his Hall of Fame induction, Ham reflects on a journey that began on the icy fields of Minnesota and culminated in a professional career marked by adaptability, weight loss, and a commitment to giving back.