In an emotional moment in the locker room as a captain of the 9-8 Minnesota Vikings, C.J. Ham, made a heartfelt speech after receiving a game ball after what could have been the last game in his NFL career.
“I know it’s going to be hard for me to step away,” he said, “but I know it’s time for me to be with my family…”
Ham had his fingerprints all over Minnesota’s 16-3 win over the Green Bay Packers, scoring the lone TD of the game.
The 2016 undrafted fullback out of Augustana in South Dakota has played all nine seasons of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. If the door truly has closed on his career, it is important to remember all No. 30 accomplished with the team and what that could mean if Canton comes calling.
The Fullback Position
To get a better feel for the overall impact Ham has had on this team, one must understand the position he played and the flexibility he had.
Ham first transferred over to fullback from running back in 2017. He filled in for Zach Line, who signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2016. Little did he know how much his position would change over the years.
As teams have gone more pass-dependent and more out of shotgun, the need for that extra blocker out of the backfield has become more obsolete.
Instead, teams use running backs and extra tight ends to pick up the slack in the blocking game. And instead of using a fullback to change the pace of the run game, teams have preferred to use running backs by committee.
Teams use fullbacks sparingly on offense and are more tactical on special teams, blocking for their return men or making special teams tackles.
While his position has evolved, Ham’s importance to the team has always been evident.
His Effect
Ham has been a huge part of the Vikings organization, and the work he has put in both on and off the field has made him a fan favorite.
He has been in the league for a decade, a full-time member of the team for nine years, and one of the most resilient and dependable players. He has missed only eight games since 2017, providing stability throughout each season, no matter the changes happening around him.
Ham has seen two different head coaches and 11 different starting QBs, yet he continued to play at a high level, helping his team to wins. If he truly walks away. He will end with a quality stat line, but stats alone cannot measure most of his work.
In his nine seasons, Ham had 42 carries for 119 yards and six TDs, along with 84 catches on 109 targets for 681 yards, two TDs, and one fumble. He also had 57 total tackles and blocked a punt, and he returned four kickoffs. This doesn’t include the numerous blocks and impact plays where he wasn’t the focal point.
Ham has also been part of two Pro Bowls and was nominated for his second consecutive Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his contributions to others off the field.
While his path to the league and career has been unconventional, he could earn one more award.
HoF Case
While he doesn’t embody the normal Hall of Fame candidate, Ham has done enough to be at least considered.
With his impact both on and off the field, he at least deserves to be considered, especially when taking into account the entirety of his game. While no one is saying he is a lock for Canton, like teammate Harrison Smith, he has done plenty to show that his leadership deserves further recognition.
Vikings fans have likely seen the last of Ham’s playing days, yet his impact on the team and his position will be felt for years to come. The likelihood he makes it into the Hall of Fame is quite low, but the Vikings Ring of Honor seems more likely for the two-time Pro Bowler.
C.J. Ham will always be a Viking, no matter what his future holds, and the fans wish him the best of luck with whatever he does in the future.
