Minnesota’s Dalvin Cook rushed for a season-high 205 yards last week against Pittsburgh, finding gaping holes at the line in a masterful performance by his blockers and the offensive coaching staff.
Not to be overlooked in the success was fullback C.J. Ham, who was at his protective best. The 2019 Pro Bowl pick could find himself going to the all-star game again this year.
“He comes to work every day on time, knows what he needs to do, his assignments. If you want to know something at running back, you can ask him. He knows both positions,” Cook said.
“Off the field, the things he does in the community are outstanding. He’s a dad, and the things he does with his kids are amazing. I look up to him as a big brother, so that’s my guy right there. You’re about to make me cry talking about my guy.”
There’s no shortage of Ham fans in the Vikings’ organization. Undrafted out of Augustana, an NCAA Division II program, the native of Duluth, Minnesota, is in his sixth season with the Vikings and is as well-versed in the offense as anyone.
“It’s such a comfort to have a player like that. There are times when I’m asking him, ‘Did I call that play right?,’ or, ‘What’s the motion here?’ And he’ll get me right,” quarterback Kirk Cousins said. “That just says the world about C.J. and what he’s capable of athletically and also mentally. He’s a great teammate. He’s the kind of person you want in this organization because he sets the standard for so many guys. If you say, ‘How do we do things around here?’ go look at C.J. Ham. That’s how we do things.”
TOP PHOTO: FILE – Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) runs from Detroit Lions linebacker Reggie Ragland, right, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
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