MINNEAPOLIS— The Minnesota Vikings announced Thursday that CJ Ham has been selected as the team’s nominee for the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
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The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the league and recognizes players who excel both on and off the field.
“He really is Minnesota’s favorite, and rightfully so – and he doesn’t take that for granted. He loves the Twin Cities,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “Because he has such a dynamic impact on our community, and his children and his family being there with him, I think they are great representatives of what we want our organization to be as a whole. I think that’s why it’s perfect that he’s our nominee.”
Since joining the NFL in 2016, Ham has proven to be dedicated help his community by elevating numerous organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Boys and Girls Club.
In 2022, Ham and his wife launched the Ham Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund will go to support diverse students near Ham’s hometown in Duluth.
According to a press release from the Vikings, the Hams hope this scholarship fund “helps encourage students to pursue higher education, while also aiming to improve BIPOC retention and graduation rates through financial assistance.”
The fund, presented by Essentia Health and the NFL Foundation, is growing thanks to continued family and community donations, the Minnesota Vikings say.
“CJ and Stephanie Ham serve as inspirations within the Vikings organization and in the broader Minnesota community,” said Vikings owner and president Mark Wilf. “CJ sets an exceptional role model for his teammates, teaching and encouraging those around him to lend their support to make a difference in our community. The long-lasting relationships he has built with local organizations are a testament to the CJ’s passion and dedication. We are proud of the positive impact he continues to make and honored to nominate him for an award of this magnitude.”
As a nominee, Ham will wear a special Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal beginning January 1 week 14 and continues until the end of the season.
All nominees will receive up to $55,000 and the award winner will receive up to $265,000 to a charity of their choice.
Fans are encouraged to show their support for their favorite Walter Payton nominee on social media. Fans can vote for X (formally Twitter) by posting #WPMOYChallenge along with the last name or
The nominee who receives the most hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $35,000 donation to the charity of their choice, with the runner-up receiving $10,000 and the third-place winner receiving $5,000.
Voting starts Thursday and runs until January 6.
The winner will be announced during the NFL Honors on February 6.
NOTE: The video accompanying this video originally aired on December 5, 2024.
