CJ Ham is a longtime Minnesota Vikings fullback who spent his entire NFL career with the franchise after going undrafted in 2016. Off the field, he’s known for a lasting marriage to his college sweetheart, Stephanie Ham, and for the philanthropic work the couple does together across Minnesota. Here’s a full look at what’s known about CJ Ham’s life, his marriage, and his career.
Who is CJ Ham?
Cortez Thaddeus Ham Jr., known as C.J. Ham, is an American former professional football player who spent 10 seasons in the NFL, all with the Minnesota Vikings.
He grew up in Duluth, Minnesota, and attended Denfeld High School before playing college football at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he lined up as a running back.
Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Vikings after the 2016 NFL draft, Ham transitioned to fullback during the 2017 offseason and went on to become a two-time Pro Bowler, earning selections in 2019 and 2023.
CJ Ham’s Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cortez Thaddeus Ham Jr. |
| Nickname | C.J. |
| Profession | Former NFL Fullback |
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1993 |
| Age | 32 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Duluth, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Longtime Minnesota Vikings fullback, 2x Pro Bowler |
Ham played high school football at Denfeld in Duluth before heading to Augustana (SD), where he was named Second-team All-NSIC in 2015.
He went undrafted in 2016 but earned a roster spot with his home-state Vikings, spending his rookie year as a running back before shifting to fullback the following season.
CJ Ham’s Height, Weight and Physical Build
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | 250 lbs (113 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Athletic/Muscular |
As a blocking fullback, Ham’s frame was built for the physical, lead-blocking role he played for Minnesota’s running backs throughout his career.
Who is CJ Ham Wife?
CJ Ham is married to Stephanie Ham, whom he met while they were both students at Augustana University. Stephanie also played soccer for Augustana and graduated in December 2015.
The couple’s wedding took place in the mid-2010s, with different accounts placing it between 2015 and 2017; the exact date hasn’t been consistently confirmed across sources. What is clear is that their marriage came together around the same time Ham was fighting for a roster spot as an undrafted free agent, and Stephanie has said the two have supported each other through every stage of that journey.
Stephanie went on to pursue a career in physical therapy, eventually earning her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree through a hybrid program at South College in Tennessee. She now works as a pelvic floor physical therapist in the Twin Cities, where the family lives.
Family Life and Kids
CJ and Stephanie Ham are parents to three children. Their first daughter, Skylar, was born in July 2016, right around the time Ham was trying to secure his place on the Vikings roster — Stephanie and baby Skylar even stayed at the team hotel during training camp so the family could be together.
Their second daughter, Stella, arrived in November 2018, and their son, Cortez Ham III — nicknamed “Trip” — was born on February 12, 2021.
Ham was raised by his mother, Tina, who passed away after a battle with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer; he has spoken publicly about honoring her memory through his community work.
Community Involvement
CJ and Stephanie Ham have been active across a number of Minnesota causes since he joined the Vikings in 2016. In 2022, the couple launched the Ham Scholarship Fund for students of color in the Duluth area.
They’ve also hosted the “Pamper Her Purple” event for women being treated for cancer, supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, and surprised local families with gifts during the holidays, including a family that grew through adoption.
In recognition of this work, Ham was the Vikings’ nominee for the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, the league’s most prestigious honor for community impact.
CJ Ham’s Net Worth 2026
| Estimate Range | Amount |
|---|---|
| Low estimate | $3 million |
| High estimate | $5 million |
Ham’s earnings came primarily from his decade-long NFL career with the Vikings, including a multi-year contract extension that provided long-term financial security for his family. As with most player net worth figures, these are estimates rather than confirmed numbers.
Career
Ham’s path to the NFL began at Augustana University, where he played running back and helped anchor the Vikings’ offense before going undrafted in the 2016 NFL draft.
He signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent and spent his rookie season as a running back before moving to fullback in 2017, a position he’d hold for the rest of his career.
Over 10 seasons, all with Minnesota, Ham built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable blocking fullbacks, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2019 and 2023 and becoming one of the longest-tenured players on the Vikings’ roster.
Lesser-Known Facts About CJ Ham
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| College sweethearts | Met his wife, Stephanie, while both attended Augustana University |
| Position switch | Played running back in college and his rookie year before moving to fullback in 2017 |
| Undrafted journey | Made the Vikings roster in 2016 despite going undrafted out of college |
| High school rival turned teammate | Played against Vikings receiver Adam Thielen in both high school and college before becoming teammates |
| Scholarship founder | Co-founded the Ham Scholarship Fund with Stephanie in 2022 for students of color in Duluth |
Ham’s rise from an undrafted free agent to a two-time Pro Bowler stands out in a league where fullbacks rarely get major attention.
CJ Ham Social Media
CJ Ham and Stephanie are both active on social media, where they share updates on Vikings games, family milestones, and their community initiatives around Minnesota.
Stephanie posts regularly about parenting their three kids and her work as a physical therapist, often highlighting the family’s involvement in local charitable events.
FAQs
Q: Who is CJ Ham wife?
A: He’s married to Stephanie Ham, whom he met at Augustana University. She works as a pelvic floor physical therapist in the Twin Cities.
Q: How old is CJ Ham?
A: He was born on July 22, 1993, making him 32 years old as of 2026.
Q: What is CJ Ham’s net worth?
A: Estimates place it between roughly $3 million and $5 million as of 2026.
Q: Does CJ Ham have kids?
A: Yes, he and Stephanie have three children — daughters Skylar and Stella, and son Cortez Ham III, nicknamed “Trip.”