EAGAN, MN (KELO) — The Minnesota Vikings offense has seen a few changes in the backfield over the past couple seasons, but one main stay has been their fullback.
The Vikings were ranked tenth best in total offense a season ago, racking up nearly 350 yards per contest.
“Obviously, our scheme speaks for itself. I mean, we’ve been able to produce lots of yards, score lots of touchdowns. It gets better and better every year. We have weapons everywhere,” C.J. Ham said.
Former Augustana standout and Vikings fullback C.J. Ham, is set to begin his ninth season in the backfield.
“It’s definitely a blessing, I can’t sit here and say that it’s not. I mean to be able to be on one team for going on my ninth season, in my hometown, it’s a story I can only give to God,” Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham said.
C.J. continues to find ways to improve, as earning a spot on an NFL roster is more challenging each season.
“I try to have the same attitude every single year of going out here and earning my spot, especially as the years go and as you get older, guys are coming and guys are hungry,” Ham said.
The fullback will have a new name to block for this year as former Packers standout, Aaron Jones is set to be RB1.
“Our room has stayed pretty consistent and obviously adding Aaron has been great. I mean, if you’re a Vikings fan, you know how good Aaron is. You’ve seen him have good games against us and many other teams for so long, so to have him on this team now has been great,” Ham said.
Ham has played eight years with the Vikings, making his tenure the second longest on the team, behind Harrison Smith. And with that experience, C.J. has become a leader in the locker room.
“The leadership that he brings, I think it’s just natural. He’s really just a great success story. And a lot of that, I think, comes from his background and his personality and I’m sure his upbringing,” Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said.
The Vikings first preseason game is set for Saturday at 3 p.m. when they welcome the Raiders to Minneapolis.
