LONDON — C.J. Ham's wife and children ventured across the pond, so he was cleared to cross the goal line.
Ham carried the football two times for 10 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown in Minnesota's 23-17 win over the New York Jets Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Ham usually clears lanes for Vikings running backs or steps in to help pass protect on third-down pass plays, but with Aaron Jones, Sr., knocked out by a hip injury in the first quarter, the Vikings cobbled together their attack, rushing 30 times for 82 yards.
"Something I don't necessarily anticipate, but I was glad I was able to touch the ball a couple of times today and make the most of it," Ham said.
Even better was the fact that his wife Stephanie, daughters Skylar (8) and Stella (5) and son Trip (3) were among the lively bunch of 61,139 creating an incredible atmosphere in the first of 2024's London Games.
"It made it really special," Ham said. "Whenever my wife can't be at a game, she says, 'don't score.' So for her to be here in London, obviously it's been a long trip for her and the kids, but to be able to get in the end zone with my family here is definitely really special."
The Vikings lined up in an offset I-formation with Ham at fullback and implemented Jalen Nailor in a jet motion before Sam Darnold handed the football to the 31-year-old. Ham built steam and rumbled through a hole created by tight end Josh Oliver and left tackle Christian Darrisaw.
"You want to make it confusing for the defense, and we were able to execute and find the end zone," Ham said.
It was the sixth career touchdown for Ham (fourth rushing) and first since Dec. 17, 2022, when his 1-yarder was part of Minnesota's epic 33-point comeback against Indianapolis to win the NFC North.
The Vikings (5-0) were the home team this year, two years after playing as the visitor against New Orleans. That meant Gjallarhorn, which was sounded by London Games Ring of Honour inductee Jared Allen, and the SKOL Drum were part of the festivities.
Stephanie relayed Trip's biggest takeaways from the day:
"Mommy, I think next time, I wanna bang the drum. OK?"
And
"Mommy! When I get bigger, I think I wanna play for the Vikings!"
Ham appreciated the opportunity to play in London for a third time.
"It is always interesting, but it makes for a great experience, I'll tell you that — give the fans a show, but it's always good to come out with a win no matter how it looks," Ham said.
