It's the moment that all Minnesota Vikings fans have dreading for, but mentally preparing for: fullback C.J. Ham is officially hanging up the cleats and calling it a career.
A statement was released by Ham's agency, Team IFA, on Tuesday, with some parting words from the founder and president, Blake Baratz. In the message, Baratz shared everything Ham had meant to him and to the Vikings.
"You embody everything that is good in this world. A true man of faith, a tireless community ambassador, a true professional and student of your craft, a loyal and accountable teammate, and, most importantly, an unwavering and devoted husband and father to your family.
You have used your platform for the good of others and have left the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings organization and the city of Minneapolis better than you found them 10 years ago, which is a true testament to your remarkable character and your core beliefs.
I am beyond proud and I have been extremely fortunate to have had a front row seat for all of it.
Huge congratulations to you, Stephanie, Skylar, Stella and Trip on an outstanding career, I can't wait to see what you do next!"
C.J. Ham retires after 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings
Ham was an undrafted free agent for the Vikings in 2016, spending most of his first season on the practice squad before being called up late in the season. It wouldn't be until the next season, in 2017, that he started to make an impact on the Vikings.
In his 10-year career, Ham rushed for 119 yards and six touchdowns, catching 84 passes for 681 yards and two more scores. He also contributed on special teams, recording 54 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Twice in his NFL career, Ham made the Pro Bowl in 2019 and 2023. He never played for another team other than the Vikings.
Vikings fans won't forget Ham's final game with the team in a win against the Green Bay Packers in Week 18, where he ran in for a touchdown and caught a pass for six yards. Everyone in the dome knew that would be the last time Ham would step on a field in an NFL uniform.
What made Ham a special player for the Vikings was his ability to do anything and everything asked of him. He can pick up one yard on the ground or catch a pass in the flats, and he could even make a tackle as a gunner on kickoff coverage.
Ham became an easy favorite among Vikings fans because he showed what it truly takes to be an NFL football player. While he will be missed by everyone in Minneapolis, he left a long-lasting legacy in a position that is slowly dying but remains effective because of him.