Youth football camp in Duluth a success for Minnesota Vikings fullback

The first ever youth football camp run by Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham at Lincoln Park Middle School in Duluth was a huge success.

Each year, the Minnesota Vikings are known for their involvement with youth and initiatives in the community. That philanthropy is a concept not only spread by the organization itself but the players, coaches, and others affiliated with the franchise.

This year, Vikings fullback C.J. Ham got in on the action by hosting his first youth football camp. Held at Lincoln Park Middle School in Duluth, the event was a met with excitement by children, as a large group assembled to meet with the pro athlete and learn something about sports and themselves.

According to the FOX21 website, over 270 children ranging from 8 to 16 years old went through some football drills and got taught some lessons about achieving your goals in life.

"“It’s football, we’re out here, having fun, doing drills, learning the fundamentals of the game, playing some games as well, just to get some competition. On the life part, it really is just about working hard and not letting anybody tell you anything different. If you have a dream to go out and chase it,” Ham said."

For young fans living in northern Minnesota, attending the youth football camp of C.J. Ham is both inspiring and rewarding. To see someone from Duluth be successful in the NFL and return to share his story with help from UMD soccer players as well as football players from UMD and Denfeld.

The first annual event went smoothly, with Ham glowing about spending time back home with his family and friends.

"“It’s always a good time to be back in Duluth. I love it here, I love everything about it, especially I grew up in the Lincoln Park area. To be able to see all of these people here for an event that I’m putting on, is humbling in it of itself, and I’m just really blessed to be out here,” Ham added."

WDIO-ABC also covered the event, adding that the kids went through drills including passing, running, kicking, and more while having conversations about leadership, work ethic, and education.

C.J. Ham enters his fourth season with the Minnesota Vikings and his third year as the team’s starting fullback. While he has been successful on the football field, he is also showing that he is successful away from the turf, inspiring kids to be their best.