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Two-time Vikings Pro Bowler caps underdog career, announces retirement
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- Two-time Vikings Pro Bowler caps underdog career, announces retirement
The Minnesota Vikings will be bidding farewell to a 10-year NFL veteran who has spent his entire career with the franchise.
Vikings fullback C.J. Ham announced on Tuesday that he would be wrapping up his NFL career after spending the past 10 seasons with the organization. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, his stint at the professional level will come to an end with 141 career appearances and 42 starts.
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C.J. Ham Brings His Underdog Story To A Close With Retirement
Ham has been a consistent weapon for the Vikings' offense for the past decade and was also a consistent starter on special teams. He wraps up his career with 84 receptions for 681 yards and two receiving touchdowns, 42 carries for 119 yards and six touchdowns, 54 tackles, one fumble recovery, and four kick returns for 64 yards.
It's quite impressive for a man who was unlikely to make much of his career beyond the college level. Ham had a unique path to the NFL, doing what few players can: reaching the highest level of professional football after playing at the Division II level in college.
Ham starred at Augustana (SD), where he was a four-year letter winner in football and track and field. He finished his collegiate career with 2,662 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns, and 949 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. He was also an all-conference shot putter and held the school record in weight throw and hammer throw.
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Once he made it to the NFL, it was only after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Vikings following competing in their rookie minicamp. He spent his first season in 2016 on the practice squad before finding his way into the rotation the following season. From there, he carved out a successful NFL career against the odds and will now retire as a beloved figure among the Vikings fan base.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Two-time Vikings Pro Bowler caps underdog career, announces retirement
