As Ham steps into the next chapter after 10 years with the Vikings — "Sure enough, the son of a gun did it," quipped Polamalu — he's doing so with a peace-filled heart.
Tina's passing provided Ham with a fresh perspective on life, he noted — one of being present, intentional and grateful at every step.
"It's, 'I don't have to do this. I get to do this," Ham said. "Losing my mom was obviously really, really hard; but it gave me more appreciation for life, for this game, for my teammates.
"Being able to walk through your door at the end of the day is so much more of a blessing than you even realize," he added. "And when you have that perspective, I think you're able to enjoy life more."
A decade ago, Ham attended that Pro Day at the University of Minnesota. He's now walking away on his own terms with 141 regular-season games to his name. Eighty-four catches for 681 receiving yards and two TDs. Six rushing touchdowns, including on his first and final career carries as a Minnesota Viking.
"There were so many plays that people don't notice with C.J. — on special teams with blocking, and then everybody sees the running back come free and break for a big run on offense, but Hammer's in there, and the best part is, if you're on the field or on the sideline, you hear it," Thielen described, striking his fist against his palm. "And then all of a sudden you see someone pop out and have a long run."