Vikings’ C.J. Ham returns home hosting 2nd youth camp at former high school

Hometown favorite in Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham returned to his roots Saturday hosting his second youth football camp in Duluth.

The first camp in 2019 was held at Lincoln Park Middle School.

This time it was at Public Schools Stadium, where Ham played high school football for the Duluth Denfeld Hunters.

"I have so many memories, so many memories of football from the jamboree when I was in fifth grade to all the high school games. Being out here under the lights, scoring touchdowns out here, having homecomings, those memories stay with me forever," Ham said. "So to be out here on this field once again and to be able to bring this to the youth, it means the world to me."

For the first time the camp offered two sessions, one in the morning and one in the evening, after the first one sold out in less than 24 hours.

Over 400 kids throughout the day from ages 5-13 participated.

Young athletes received hands-on training with a focus on character development, leadership, and sportsmanship.

"I think football is the greatest sport ever created. I’m obviously biased but football as taught me so much in life, taught me so much more than just being an athlete," Ham said. "I just want to have that opportunity to be able to share that with these kids. The same lessons that football taught me, I want to bring that to the youth here."

Ham added that he has visions of expanding the camp to the high school level in the future.

All proceeds will go towards diversity scholarship opportunities in the Duluth area.