SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - An Augustana legend returned to his alma mater today following his NFL retirement.
CJ Ham hosted his annual youth football camp this afternoon with up to 400 kids in attendance, including Ham’s five year old son.
Augustana head football coach Jerry Olszewski was back in attendance to help out with the camp along with returning Augie football players.
Olszewski loves to have a talent like Ham come back to this community.
Jerry Olszewski, Augustana football coach said, “I love it because it’s paying it forward that’s who CJ is. Him and Stephanie are such servant leaders and while his platform is still there I think it’s awesome because he does it the right way. It’s great for our community he still resonates with the kids.”
CJ Ham, former fullback for the Minnesota Vikings and Augustana graduate said, “This community means so much to me and this school, everything about it I love Augie, I love Sioux Falls so to be able to come back here to this community that served me for so many years, I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
This is the first time at the camp after retiring from professional football.
Ham finds it important to continue to give back to the game even after his playing days are behind him.
CJ Ham, former runningback for the Minnesota Vikings and Augustana graduate said, “It’s really a full circle thing for me, after retiring this year coming back to a place where my journey kind of started and this thought of making it to the NFL came alive here. So it’s just kind of a full circle moment to come back and give to this community, to these kids, it means the absolute world to me to continue to grow this sport, this sport has taught me so much in life.”
The first group of athletes were first through fourth grade, followed by 5th-9th grade in the later afternoon.
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