SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - CJ Ham was the Minnesota Vikings nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
And when you see the Duluth native’s dedication to giving back to his alma mater Augustana it’s pretty easy to see why he got that nod.
CJ was back in Sioux Falls at Kirkeby-Over Stadium hosting his second annual youth football camp for kids ages 6-15.
As much as it means to the kids to learn from NFL pro who came from their hometown, it’s even more fulfilling to CJ to come back and pay it forward not only in the place that helped him make his professional dreams come true, but where he also met his wife and began his own family.
“It’s amazing. This community has always backed me in everything that I’ve wanted to do for over a decade. This community is home to me. This stadium, in and of itself, I’ve had some great memories here. So for me to be back here, having an opportunity to allow the youth to come out here and play and have fun and learn, it just means the world.” Ham says.
Ham will be heading back to the Twin Cities soon with the Vikings beginning their three day mandatory minicamp on Tuesday as CJ gets set to begin his tenth year with the team.
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