Vikings Defense Powers Off Offense In Annual Charity Softball Game

SAINT PAUL, Minn. (Northern News Now) – Thousands watched as professional football players switched to softball for the day and for a good cause.

On Thursday, Saint Paul’s CHS Field welcomed approximately 3,000 fans to cheer on host Minnesota Vikings quarterback CJ Ham and his teammates in the UNRL Celebrity Softball Game.

Team Defense stayed true to their name, holding the offense to one run, taking home the 10-1 victory.

Proceeds from the game supported former Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen’s Foundation and Ham’s Family Scholarship Fund.

Ham and his wife, Stephanie, created the Ham Family Scholarship Fund in 2022 to support students of color in the Duluth-Superior area, where Ham is from.

2023 scholarship recipient Rachel Hagen threw out the first pitch.

Since 2018, the Thielen Foundation has donated more than $3.2 million to more than 30 organizations with similar missions to help young people reach their full potential.

The foundation has organized two other memorable softball games — one in 2022 with Thielen and one in 2023, which Harrison Smith hosted.

For more information on the Ham’s Family Scholarship Fund, click here.

For more information about the Thielen Foundation, click here.

Ham is also preparing to host its annual youth football camp in Duluth on Sunday, July 7. For more information or to register, click here.

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