CJ Ham Embraces Roots at Youth Football Camp

Ham's fifth annual camp in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- Before CJ Ham puts on the pads for his eighth NFL training camp, the Pro Bowl fullback returned to his hometown for his fifth annual Youth Football Camp, presented by Essentia Health.

“I had no idea what to envision year one (of the camp),” says Ham, who hosted the camp at Denfeld High School. “And the turnout that we got every single year has been tremendous. Every year, I come back, and I’m just humbled.”

Split in two sessions, around 400 kids took the field, with many hoping for a chance to interact with Ham. While the NFL vet is blessed to have young fans look up to him, he’s looking to pass on some of the lessons he learned at their age.

“My parents raised me to be respectful and work hard and do everything to treat people nicely,” Ham recalled. “And so, I try to do that same thing, and I think that that speaks volumes to who you are and will get you really far in life.”

In less than three weeks, Ham will be in Eagan reporting to the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp. This season, Ham will be part of an offense featuring a quarterback competition and former Green Bay Packers Running Back Aaron Jones. While some have expressed uncertainty for Minnesota’s 2024 chances, Ham is eager to get back to work.

“(I’m) Extremely excited,” Ham grinned. “Those additions, we’ve added Aaron Jones. He’s a tremendous player, but an even better person. Getting to work with those guys this spring, everybody’s getting comfortable together and meshing together just right away. We have a really, really tight-knit group, even though it’s a lot different than it’s been in years past.”