The Vikings are making big-time differences off the field while continuing to win on it.

Over the past week-plus, the organization has given back through the league's Crucial Catch initiative, as well as teaming up with the A&A All the Way Foundation, co-founded by running back Aaron Jones, Sr., to impact military youth.

"I know [fans are] watching and they're looking up to me … and you never know who you can affect that way," Jones said. "People can pick up a lot from you by watching. So I try to be the best version of myself everywhere I go — and not just for everybody else, but for myself as well. I just feel like you get the true, natural version of me."

Below are recaps of the Vikings recent community events.

A&A All the Way Joins Vikings in Dedicating Field for Military Youth

Jones wrapped his young son, Junior, in an embrace and pointed to a rendering of the future turf field at United Heroes League.

"Look at that," he told Junior, focusing on the A&A All the Way logo at midfield. "Years from now, this will still be here. It's pretty special, right?"

Jones, his partner Crystal and Junior posed proudly alongside the rendering, just feet from where the field will be installed on top of an outdoors hockey rink. Removable turf will allow the space to be dual-usage throughout the calendar year.

The Vikings and SCHEELS teamed up with A&A All the Way to provide the necessary funding for the field.

"It means everything to be able to give back and make an impact on this level," Jones told media members at the ceremonial groundbreaking. "This place holds a special place in my heart, and it's very meaningful. I don't know too many people who have their logo in the middle of a field kids will be playing on — high school flag football, girls flag football — I just feel like it's moving the envelope and my way of giving back to the game of football."

Jones' mother, Vurgess, and his late father, Alvin Jones, Sr., each served more than 25 years in the United States Army. It's deeply important to the Jones family, therefore, to support the U.S. military and especially youth of military families. It's why Jones connected so quickly with United Heroes League upon signing with the Vikings in 2024.

"From day one when I came out and was on the [obstacle] course with some of the soldiers and high school kids, as well, getting to connect with them, it was like, 'Wow, this is my upbringing. This is what I grew up on. I relate to you guys so much,' " Jones reflected. "No, I didn't exactly serve, but my parents served for a very long time, and I was there with them. So I can relate. I speak the language a little bit, and it was relatable. When I found out what [United Heroes League] was doing for the military kids, it just hit home for me and I realized, 'Wow, this aligns with my vision and what we're doing.' "

Jones was joined by members of UHL, Hastings Mayor Mary Fasbender, girls flag football athletes, St. Thomas Academy cadets and Vikings employees.

UHL President Shane Hudella called the field "the future for United Heroes League."

"We are now going to have the opportunity to have football and other turf sports on this venue from April to October, year after year, thanks to the generosity of Aaron, his family, the Vikings and SCHEELS," Hudella said. "So incredibly excited for us to be able to increase our programming with military kids. It means the world to our organization."

C.J. Ham hosts annual Pamper Her Purple weekend

C.J. Ham may be retired from playing football, but he doesn't plan on taking a break from making an impact in the community.

The former Vikings fullback has remained involved with various give-back efforts, and he recently joined the Vikings and Mystic Lake to host his annual Pamper Her Purple event for 10 women who have battled — or are currently battling — cancer.

C.J. and his wife Steph started the unique event in honor of his mother, Tina, who passed away in 2021 after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer.

"My love for Pamper Her Purple and the Crucial Catch Initiative goes far beyond anything I did on the field and in my playing career," Ham said. "This is something that truly, truly means something to our family."

Ham spoke with the honorees and their guests at a special Saturday evening reception held at Mystic Lake, and he enjoyed the time to connect and hear some of their stories.

"It means a lot to me to be able to talk about my mom in any setting, but specifically in that setting with a whole bunch of women who endured a lot of the same things my mom had to go through," Ham said. "To be able to make that connection is important for me, and I think it's also really important for them. One thing I shared with them was [about] my mom's strength — I saw her go through what she went did, and every single day she chose to have joy.

"I know I'm in a room full of women and who choose that same joy and have that same strength every single day," he continued, "and it's just so comforting to be with people who feel that way and live life that way because it reminds me of my mom."

Because of Tina's love for being pampered, the Ham family designed the Pamper Her Purple weekend to always include some aspect of a salon session. This year, the women were treated to appointments at Spalon Montage Sunday morning, then received transportation to U.S. Bank Stadium to attend the Vikings-Dolphins game.

"What those ladies go through and have gone through — some of them are still continuing to go through chemo and treatment — it's like you need a day where you just sit back and don't worry about life, don't worry about all the things you have to do tomorrow or next week. Just sit there and be taken care of," Ham smiled.

Vikings Legends create lasting memories for Hope Lodge families

Last week as part of the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative, Vikings Legends Stu Voigt and Rufus Bess, along with Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders and Viktor the Viking, visited the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge for a memorable "Casino Night."

Hope Lodge is a free lodging facility for cancer patients and their caregivers who travel to the Twin Cities for treatment. Truly framed as a "home away from home," Hope Lodge offers a community of active support and resources.

"Our guests are staying with us during some of the hardest periods of their lives, making our mission all the more vital," Hope Lodge Assistant General Manager Briana Fodstad said. "A large part of our mission centers around creating opportunities for people within their physical, emotional and social health during cancer treatment."

Residents and their loved ones participated in a themed game night and enjoyed meeting and taking photos with Voigt and Bess.

"This event was the highlight of our guests' week, many of them noting they haven't had this much fun since beginning treatment," Fodstad said. "The most impactful aspect of the evening was having Rufus and Stu join us. Sitting with our guests and talking about their days with the Vikings, as well as our guests sharing their experiences, was 'Minnesota Community' at its best.

"The 'Casino Night' exemplified the meaning of what Hope Lodge is all about," Fodstad added. "Our guests were able to take part in activities that many of them can no longer participate in [externally] while undergoing treatment. It brought the fun of a night at the casino and excitement of a Vikings game together for one outstanding event!"