For the versatile NFL fullback, CJ Ham, his parents are his ultimate support system! Graduating from Augustana University, he immensely improved his skills as a running back, paving his path ahead. Even though he was undrafted in 2016, he was signed as a free agent by the Vikings and soon transitioned to the fullback position. He has played altogether 130 career games and has earned two Pro Bowl selections, in 2019 and 2023.

His offensive skills have made him a leader in the Vikings locker room. Today, he’s a proud three-time team captain. And, for whatever he is today, he credits his parents, i.e., his late mom Tina and father, Cortez Ham Sr.

Who are Tina Lashalla and Cortez Ham Sr.?

CJ Ham grew up in a loving environment, with his parents as his shield. His dad, Cortez Ham Sr, works as a licensed minister and is devoted to his family. To cope with financial constraints, he juggled multiple jobs and even worked night shifts. Practicing deep faith alongside his wife, Tina, the family shifted from Chicago to Duluth, for better safety of their children.

On the other hand, CJ Ham’s mom, Tina, worked as a nurse. The Ham family was caught up in a tumult when her cancer diagnosis came through in 2019. She was suffering from Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which had metastasized to her liver. But despite this, she never gave up her zest for life. She was always supportive of CJ’s passion for football.

Back in 2018, when Ham was playing for the Vikings, his parents wore custom Vikings hats monogrammed with “Mom” and “Dad” along with purple No. 30 jerseys to support him. With his upbringing in Duluth, he grew up as a Vikings fan. Tina noted C.J. is “well-loved in Duluth,” as stated in a Duluth News Tribune article from 2018. Moreover, Cortez was quite ecstatic watching his son during the match, as he remarked, “Man, that’s my son.” Truly, they have been proud of their son’s journey.

How has CJ Ham honored his mom after losing her to cancer?

Even though Tina’s prognosis was quite grim, as doctors expected her to survive for merely two to three months, she fought bravely for 14 months. When she passed away in 2020, CJ Ham was devastated. However, since then, he has dedicated himself to honoring his mom. Back in October last year, along with his team, he hosted the Pamper Her Purple event to honor cancer survivors and fighters.

Celebrating 16 women battling cancer, they were treated to spas, gifts, and beautiful speeches. Remembering his mom, he remarked during the event, “She wasn’t healed physically on this earth, but she was healed spiritually, and she’s now with our Father in Heaven”.

Moreover, the NFL holds Crucial Catch Month to raise cancer awareness, Ham became a crucial part of it in 2019. Even his mom attended the Vikings’ Crucial Catch game, where she was escorted to the field. Ham recalls, “She had the biggest smile on her face, and she was so proud. My mom liked the attention, so to have 67,000 people looking at her, she felt really special”.

Prior to each game, C.J. Ham whispers, “Love you, Mom,” as a tribute to her. In fact, his wife Stephanie gifted him a necklace with his mom’s photo in it. He also has a jacket by Devo Customs, in memory of his mother, as he feels that he is “wrapped in her love.” Indeed, it helps him channel his energy and find strength to navigate the struggles of his personal and professional life.