C.J. Ham to Host 2025 UNRL Celebrity Softball Game for Great Causes
Minneapolis, MN — May 4, 2025
Minnesota Vikings fullback and community ambassador C.J. Ham is set to host the highly anticipated 2025 UNRL Celebrity Softball Game, a charity event that promises star-studded fun, spirited competition, and most importantly, significant support for local causes. Scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2025, at CHS Field in St. Paul, this year’s event aims to be bigger and more impactful than ever before.
A Game With a Purpose
Organized in partnership with the Minnesota-based apparel brand UNRL, the event combines sports, entertainment, and philanthropy, bringing together celebrities from the world of sports, entertainment, and media. The primary goal? To raise funds and awareness for several nonprofit organizations close to Ham’s heart.
“This isn’t just about softball,” said Ham in a recent interview. “It’s about giving back to the community that helped raise me, and using our platform to make a difference.”
Proceeds from the game will benefit various local initiatives, including youth mentorship programs, education outreach, mental health services, and support for underserved families in the Twin Cities area. While the full list of benefitting organizations is expected to be announced in early June, past events have supported groups like the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, Second Harvest Heartland, and the C.J. Ham Foundation.
Star Power: A Lineup to Watch
The 2025 edition is already shaping up to be a must-attend event. While the full celebrity roster will be announced in the coming weeks, several big names are expected to return. Past games have featured NFL stars like Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook, Harrison Smith, and Adam Thielen, along with Minnesota Wild players, Timberwolves athletes, and local celebrities including media personalities and influencers.
There’s also growing speculation that several national figures—perhaps even some former professional baseball players—may join the roster this year.
“Every year, we try to raise the bar,” said UNRL CEO Mike Eberle. “This isn’t just a softball game—it’s a celebration of what we can accomplish when we come together for a cause.”
The event will follow a traditional celebrity softball format, with two teams battling it out in a fan-friendly exhibition game filled with laughs, highlight plays, and plenty of crowd engagement. Think walk-off home runs, on-field mic’d-up banter, and family-friendly fun.
More Than Just a Game
Beyond the main event, the 2025 UNRL Celebrity Softball Game will feature a full-day experience for attendees. Fans can enjoy a pre-game tailgate party, live music performances, food trucks, autograph sessions, and exclusive merchandise drops from UNRL’s limited-edition event line. The day will also include a Home Run Derby, giving fans a chance to watch their favorite athletes and celebrities swing for the fences.
Ham, who grew up in Duluth, Minnesota, and has been a pillar in the Vikings organization since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2016, says the event reflects his values both on and off the field.
“I’ve always believed in leading by example,” he said. “God has given me a platform, and I want to use it to pour into others. This game is just one way we can bring joy and resources to the people who need them most.”
Community Impact and Growth
The inaugural celebrity softball game, hosted in 2022, drew over 6,000 fans and raised close to $150,000 for charitable causes. Since then, the annual event has grown steadily, both in attendance and fundraising impact. Organizers are aiming to cross the $250,000 mark this year, with enhanced sponsorship partnerships, VIP experiences, and expanded digital reach through livestreaming and social media engagement.
This year, a new “Community Champions” program will also be launched, recognizing local educators, mentors, and first responders who make a difference every day. These individuals will be honored during the game and treated to VIP access as a thank-you for their service.
UNRL’s continued involvement has also played a key role in expanding the event’s reach. Known for its high-performance lifestyle apparel, UNRL has built a strong relationship with athletes across multiple sports leagues. Its founder, Eberle, shares Ham’s passion for community service.
“We’re not just making clothes—we’re building a brand that stands for something,” said Eberle. “Partnering with C.J. and supporting this event is one of the best ways we can live out that mission.”
Ticket Information and Sponsorship
Tickets for the 2025 UNRL Celebrity Softball Game go on sale May 15 and are expected to sell out quickly. General admission tickets will start at $25, with VIP packages available that include premium seating, meet-and-greets with players, and exclusive merchandise bundles.
Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available, with packages offering brand exposure across digital, in-stadium, and media platforms. Sponsors from previous years include U.S. Bank, Mayo Clinic, Polaris, and Target.
For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed on YouTube and UNRL’s official site, with behind-the-scenes content shared across social media.
Ham’s Continued Legacy
C.J. Ham’s involvement in community initiatives is well documented. Through his foundation, he has supported education, health, and youth programs throughout Minnesota. Whether it’s hosting free football camps in Duluth, visiting schools to speak about resilience and discipline, or helping feed families during the holidays, Ham has consistently prioritized giving back.
In 2023, he was awarded the Vikings’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, a prestigious honor recognizing players who exemplify excellence both on and off the field. This softball game is yet another chapter in his mission to use his platform for good.
“My faith and my roots keep me grounded,” said Ham. “I want my kids and other young people to see what’s possible when you care about others and invest in your community.”
A Summer Highlight for Minnesota
The 2025 UNRL Celebrity Softball Game is poised to be one of the highlights of Minnesota’s summer sports calendar. With a growing legacy of charitable impact, entertainment, and community pride, the event is more than just a fun night at the ballpark—it’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when people rally together for a shared purpose.
Fans, families, and sports lovers alike are encouraged to mark their calendars and join the movement.
For more information, updates on the celebrity roster, and ticket sales, visiting.
