In the world of the NFL, it's always heartwarming to see players dedicate the bulk of their careers to a single team. The Minnesota Vikings have been fortunate to witness this loyalty firsthand with a few of their key contributors.
As the dust settled on the 2025 NFL season, Vikings fans braced for the inevitable retirement of two beloved players, even if one of them wasn't donning the purple and gold for his final game.
This Thursday, the Vikings will host a joint retirement press conference at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, honoring wide receiver Adam Thielen and fullback C.J. Ham for their outstanding contributions to the team.
C.J. Ham, a versatile fullback, joined the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2016.
Over nine seasons, he carved out a significant role, appearing in 141 games and racking up 2,308 offensive snaps. His efforts didn't go unnoticed, earning him two Pro Bowl selections.
Adam Thielen's journey began in 2013 when he also signed with Minnesota as an undrafted free agent. Though his career included stints with the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers, Thielen's connection to the Vikings remains strong. A two-time Pro Bowler, his legacy in Minnesota is undeniable.
Meanwhile, safety Harrison Smith, at 37 and with 14 seasons under his belt, is contemplating his future. Though set for a post-June 1 release, there's still a possibility he might return to the Vikings for another season. As such, he won't be part of Thursday's celebration but will likely receive his due recognition in the future.
Congratulations are in order for Adam Thielen and C.J. Ham.
Their remarkable careers with the Vikings have left an indelible mark on the franchise. As they take the stage at the TCO Performance Center, they deserve every bit of praise and recognition.
And who knows? Perhaps one day, they'll find their names enshrined in the team's Ring of Honor.