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Could Rookie Fullback Max Bredeson Fill C.J. Ham’s shoes?
Sep 23, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back CJ Ham (30) carries the ball during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

As we continue into the next week of training camp, most eyes are on the quarterback battle which seems to be leaning towards Kyler Murray, or on some of the newly added players, whether that be free agents or star rookies, but a storyline that has caught my eye has been a guy who was drafted very late in the 2026 NFL draft who plays a position long forgotten by many teams in the league, of course I’m referring to fifth round fullback Max Bredeson from Michigan. Bredeson has, unsurprisingly, as the team’s only fullback, been getting plenty of work with the first team and has already done plenty to prove himself at camp and show flashes of being the next C.J. Ham for the Vikings.

Replacing C.J. Ham will be nearly impossible 

The Vikings are in the unenviable position of trying to replace a unique offensive player and beloved member of the Vikings for almost a decade, C.J. Ham. Ham was a D-II standout from Augustana, a tiny private college in my hometown of Sioux Falls, which is very much in the heart of Vikings territory. The Minnesota native played for the team for nine years, racking up nearly 2400 offensive snaps and less than 1000 total offensive yards; the guy was the unsung workhorse of the offense at a dying position and will be remembered as somebody who exemplified the grit and toughness of the region and who excelled at a position that barely any team utilized. Bredeson will attempt to continue Ham’s legacy at the position for the team, filling the role, but will likely be unable to fill the big shoes being left behind by Ham; that won’t stop him from trying, however.

“It’s awesome that they have that belief in me, to be able to help the team win no matter how that is whatever I can do to help the team. I want to continue what he started.” Bredeson said about the Vikings and his role trying to be the next C.J. Ham for the team

Max Bredeson has played great so far at camp and is looking to make a big impact

The guys over at Sports Illustrated are certainly excited about Max Bredeson and are singing his praises already. The Athletic is reporting on his great work ethic and his commitment to the team, as he’s stated after practice to do extra work with assistant coaches. Everything seems to point towards Max Bredeson being just as successful as C.J. Ham in the Vikings offense. Kevin O’Connell is a believer in the fullback position, and Bredeson could be the next great fullback in the league if he can follow Ham’s example and be a true team player and grinder on both offense and special teams. I could see Max Bredeson having a very good career just like Ham.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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