In an era where the fullback position has become an endangered species, C.J. Ham has not only survived—he has thrived. As a cornerstone of the Minnesota Vikings offense for nearly a decade, Ham has built a reputation for grit, leadership, and versatility.
In this article, you will know C.J. Ham’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
C.J. Ham’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cortez Thaddeus “C.J.” Ham Jr. |
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1993 |
| Age | 32 |
| Education | Augustana University (South Dakota) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 235 lbs (107 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2016 (Undrafted) |
| Net Worth | ~$5 Million – $7 Million |
| Salary | $2,550,000 (Base) |
| Career Earnings | ~$19,300,000 |
| Wife | Stephanie Ham |
| Instagram Profile | @cjham_93 |
| Twitter Profile | @cjham28 |
Early Career
C.J. Ham’s journey to the NFL was far from traditional. Born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota, he was a multi-sport athlete at Denfeld High School, excelling in football and track and field. Despite his local success, he didn’t receive offers from major Division I programs.
Instead, he attended Augustana University, a Division II school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. At Augustana, Ham was a dominant force, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 16 touchdowns in his senior season alone.
Even with his collegiate production, Ham faced an uphill battle. Coming from a DII school and playing a position (running back/fullback) that many NFL teams were phasing out, he went unnoticed by national scouts. He was not invited to the NFL Combine and went unselected in the 2016 NFL Draft.
However, an invite to the Minnesota Vikings’ rookie minicamp changed everything. He impressed the coaches with his athleticism and special teams ability, earning a contract that would launch his unlikely career.
Professional Career
C.J. Ham began his NFL career on the Vikings’ practice squad in 2016, but he didn’t stay there long. By 2017, he had transitioned fully to fullback and made the active roster. He quickly established himself as one of the best blockers in the league, paving the way for star running backs like Dalvin Cook.
His versatility set him apart; unlike traditional “thumping” fullbacks, Ham could catch passes out of the backfield, pass protect, and contribute heavily on special teams.
His hard work culminated in a Pro Bowl selection in 2019, a rare honor for a fullback. The Vikings rewarded his value with multiple contract extensions, including a significant deal in 2020 and another two-year extension in 2023.
By the 2025 season, Ham had become one of the longest-tenured players on the Vikings roster. While his offensive touches remained limited—typically serving as a lead blocker or safety valve receiver—his leadership in the locker room and reliability on the field kept him indispensable to the team’s game plan.
Wife
C.J. Ham is married to Stephanie Ham. The couple met while attending Augustana University and have been together since their college days.
Stephanie has been a pillar of support throughout C.J.’s career, navigating the uncertainties of NFL life while pursuing her own goals. She has a background in physical therapy, balancing her graduate studies with raising their growing family.
Together, they have three children: daughters Skylar (born around 2016) and Stella (born in November 2018), and a son, Cortez Ham III (born in February 2021).
The family is deeply rooted in their Christian faith and is frequently seen participating in community events together. C.J. often credits Stephanie for managing their household and allowing him to focus on football, calling her the true MVP of their family.
C.J. Ham’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, C.J. Ham has an estimated net worth of $5 million to $7 million. This wealth has been accumulated through a decade of NFL contracts, smart financial management, and his longevity in a league where the average career is less than three years.
Contract
In March 2023, Ham signed a two-year contract extension worth $8.65 million, which keeps him with the Vikings through the 2025 season. This deal included over $4.4 million in guaranteed money, a testament to how highly the organization values him.
As he plays out the 2025 season, he carries a salary cap hit of approximately $3.5 million, making him one of the higher-paid fullbacks in the NFL.
Salary
C.J. Ham’s base salary is $2,550,000. When combining this with his prorated signing bonus and workout bonuses, his total cash payout for the year is approximately $2.65 million. This steady income stream is rare for his position, reflecting his status as a core veteran leader.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings (Salary + Bonuses) |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-2019 | Vikings | ~$2,200,000 |
| 2020 | Vikings | ~$4,000,000 |
| 2021 | Vikings | ~$2,250,000 |
| 2022 | Vikings | ~$2,700,000 |
| 2023 | Vikings | ~$3,500,000 |
| 2024 | Vikings | ~$2,500,000 |
| 2025 | Vikings | ~$2,650,000 |
| Total | ~$19,800,000 |
Career Stats
| Year | Team | GP | Rush Att | Rush Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Rec Yds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Vikings | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | Vikings | 16 | 7 | 13 | 1.9 | 1 | 7 | 68 |
| 2018 | Vikings | 15 | 6 | 8 | 1.3 | 0 | 11 | 85 |
| 2019 | Vikings | 16 | 7 | 17 | 2.4 | 0 | 17 | 149 |
| 2020 | Vikings | 15 | 5 | 10 | 2.0 | 0 | 8 | 38 |
| 2021 | Vikings | 17 | 7 | 34 | 4.9 | 0 | 12 | 76 |
| 2022 | Vikings | 17 | 4 | 7 | 1.8 | 2 | 10 | 86 |
| 2023 | Vikings | 17 | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 0 | 7 | 25 |
| 2024 | Vikings | 17 | 2 | 10 | 5.0 | 1 | 5 | 35 |
| 2025 | Vikings | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 5 | 25 |
| Total | 134 | 40 | 103 | 2.6 | 4 | 82 | 587 |
FAQs
1. What college did C.J. Ham attend?
He attended Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is a Division II school where he played running back and excelled in track and field before making the jump to the NFL.
2. Has C.J. Ham ever made the Pro Bowl?
Yes, C.J. Ham was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2019. He was recognized as one of the best fullbacks in the NFC, highlighting his exceptional blocking and versatility on special teams.
3. How many children does C.J. Ham have?
C.J. Ham and his wife Stephanie have three children. They have two daughters named Skylar and Stella, and a son named Cortez Ham III.
4. What is C.J. Ham’s contract status?
He is currently playing under a two-year contract extension signed in 2023. The 2025 season is the final year of this deal, after which he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.
5. Where is C.J. Ham from originally?
He is a native of Duluth, Minnesota. He grew up playing football at Denfeld High School, making his long tenure with the home-state Minnesota Vikings even more special for local fans.
