Even during the offseason, fullback C.J. Ham of the Minnesota Vikings can be found at the team’s practice facility. Recently, he and his wife Steph stopped by to speak with a group of young women participating in the Vikings Girls Football Academy. C.J. was excited to see the girls having fun and getting excited about football. The Academy, now in its third year, offers four two-hour practices over a span of four weeks and welcomes girls of all ages. Despite the pandemic delaying the program for two years, it’s fantastic to see the Academy back up and running again. C.J.’s involvement with the program speaks to his passion for the game and the role models he may inspire through his dedication.
The Girls Football Academy is a fantastic opportunity for girls of all skill levels to learn basic flag football skills and hear from influential women in the sports industry. Not only is the camp a great way to develop their sporting abilities, but it also provides a platform for girls to connect with inspiring female role models. The special guests, like Ham and Vikings safety Josh Metellus, add an extra layer of excitement to the program. One family that attended the camp praised the experience, noting how much their 6-year-old daughter, Skylar, relished the chance to take part in the drills and observe the activity. For parents like C.J. and Steph, who love the game of football, watching their daughter enjoy it is a special moment that they cherish.
The Vikings youth and high school football department has a simple yet powerful goal: TEACH. PLAY. GROW. And with the help of NFL players and their families, they’re succeeding on all fronts. According to Football Manager Madison Cortese, having current players and their children involved in the event is a huge bonus. For one, it adds an extra layer of excitement for the young athletes and their parents. But beyond that, it proves the legitimacy of the program and encourages more participation in the future. With the support of players’ wives, the Vikings are poised to grow the sport and inspire a new generation of football stars.
Football is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life for many Americans. Cortese, a leader in football education, understands this and stresses the importance of teaching young people how to play football. Providing opportunities for kids to grow and hone their skills is vital for increasing football participation across the state of Minnesota. One of the ways she plans to do this is through the Vikings’ partnership with Minneapolis Public Schools, which launched a girls flag football middle school pilot program in 2022. Cortese highlights the significance of including girls in football, and studies show that doing so helps grow NFL fandom in the future. This year, the program is expanding to reach five state districts, further emphasizing the dedication to empowering all young athletes, regardless of gender.
Cortese’s long-term goal of girls flag football becoming a sanctioned varsity sport at the high school level is gaining traction. For C.J. and Steph, giving their daughters early exposure to the sport is an exciting opportunity for them to discover what they enjoy and find their niche. Sports played a significant role in Steph’s own childhood, and she believes they are just as important in her kids’ lives. Playing sports provides the chance to move your body and stay healthy, which is essential for overall well-being. Cortese is grateful to invest her time and energy into young women who remind her of her younger self. With passion and dedication, the goal of having girls flag football become a varsity sport may one day become a reality.
Football has always been a part of Cortese’s life, growing up with a family full of boys. Sundays were reserved for faith, family, and football, and she learned to love the sport at a young age. However, she never saw it as a sport for women. As she reflects back on her childhood, Cortese wishes she had the opportunity to play flag football as a kid. She is proud to now provide that opportunity for little girls who are just like her, so they too can play a sport they watch and love. Cortese believes every girl deserves the chance to be part of this sport and hopes to inspire them to find a love for it, just like she did.
C.J. has been an incredibly dedicated member of the Vikings community throughout his career, and he attributes much of his passion for giving back to a particular experience he had as a child. When he was just starting out, two Vikings players took the time to visit his Boys & Girls Club in Duluth, and their kindness made a lasting impact on him. “They made me feel good,” C.J. recalls. “And now, as an adult, I want to be able to do the same for young people everywhere.” For him, it’s about showing kids that they matter and giving them the confidence to pursue their dreams.
