2 Minnesota Natives Belong within the Vikings Ring of Honor

Oct 14, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings large receiver Brandon Zylstra (15), operating again CJ Ham (30), large receiver Adam Thielen (19) and Arizona Cardinals defensive finish Zach Moore (56) and linebacker Dennis Gardeck (92) pose for a photograph following the sport at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports activities

On Monday, the Minnesota Vikings introduced that famous person operating again Adrian Peterson could be the subsequent inductee into their Ring of Honor. After all, the longer term Corridor of Famer is a worthy candidate, and his celebration can be met with raucous applause.

Who will get the subsequent nod has been a subject of debate since Peterson’s title was introduced. Harrison Smith will get there someday, but it surely’s nonetheless solely believable that he performs for Minnesota once more this season. There may be additionally a typical ready interval post-retirement, however that shouldn’t cease both C.J. Ham or Adam Thielen from finally getting their due.

Thielen and Ham Constructed Deep Minnesota Soccer Roots

Each Ham and Thielen performed for the Vikings final season, and each opted to hold up their cleats this offseason. It may be argued what degree of manufacturing they supplied over the course of their careers, however there is no such thing as a denying that each needs to be enshrined amongst Minnesota royalty.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer and large receiver Adam Thielen stroll collectively following the matchup in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sep. 21, 2025, at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The postgame second confirmed the 2 discussing performs because the stadium environment settled after the AFC-NFC contest, reflecting the interplay between quarterback and veteran receiver as they exited the sphere. Necessary Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Photographs.

Ham, a Duluth native, spent 9 seasons with the Vikings. He performed the unsexiest place, fullback, and was twice named to the Professional Bowl. He scored in his last profession recreation and logged 141 video games with Minnesota, remaining extremely sturdy.

Minnesota utilized Ham as a blocker for Dalvin Cook dinner and Aaron Jones. He was a captain and a fixture within the locker room. The truth that he went from an undrafted afterthought to a roster linchpin solely cements his legacy in purple.

Nov 23, 2025; Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham (30) in the course of the recreation in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers at Lambeau Subject. Necessary Credit score: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Photographs

Like Ham, Thielen was an undrafted expertise who pressured his manner onto the roster. Like Ham, he earned a pair of Professional Bowl alternatives and completed with over 8,400 receiving yards. The Vikings introduced him again as depth to begin final season, after which let him go ring chase with Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A Detroit Lakes native and Minnesota State Mankato product, Thielen’s story was one in every of nice perseverance. He turned a star in his personal proper subsequent to Stefon Diggs and Justin Jefferson. He helped to maintain the Vikings offense buzzing regardless of constant quarterback turnover.

Neither Ham nor Thielen will ever sniff a name from Canton, and so they shouldn’t. Being inducted among the many finest to ever play for the Vikings is a should, although, and whereas their linked ties assist the case, it’s solely a footnote among the many explanation why they need to finally be there.

Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based mostly blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing ideas consistently on Twitter, … Extra about Ted Schwerzler