EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings roster's time spent without a fullback spanned only a few weeks from the March retirement of C.J. Ham after a storybook career to the drafting of Max Bredeson in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 159^th overall pick.

Ham posted words of congratulations to Bredeson last Saturday after the latter became the first fullback drafted this year.

Another connection to the Vikings locker room? Bredeson teamed at Michigan with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who trekked about 315 miles from Minnesota to Bredeson's hometown of Hartland, Wisconsin, for Saturday's draft party.

The Vikings believe Bredeson will be able to handle fullback duties, has the versatility to transition his role as an H-back at Michigan and could be a key contributor on special teams. Bredeson was still covering punts for the Wolverines as a senior in 2025.

Here are five things to know about Bredeson:

1. Legacy & captaincy

Bredeson was selected as a captain in 2024 and 2025, matching a feat by his older brother Ben Bredeson, who twice was a captain for the Wolverines prior to his selection in the fourth round of the 2020 draft by Baltimore. Ben has logged six NFL seasons with the Ravens, Giants and Buccaneers.

Max and Ben are the only brothers in school history to be chosen as two-time captains.

Their older brother Jack pitched for the Wolverines baseball team and currently is the Director of Player Information for the New York Mets.

2. No carries but a few catches

Although he played QB in high school and passed for 822 yards (and five touchdowns) and rushed for 711 with nine scores as a senior, Bredeson did not tote the rock a single time during his college career.

He did, however, record 12 catches for 132 yards, averaging 11.0 yards per reception — thanks primarily to logging 78 yards on five receptions in 2022 after beginning his college career as a walk-on who redshirted in 2021

3. Impactful year

The 2023 season, which wound up being Bredeson's first on scholarship, proved fruitful in numerous ways.

He, McCarthy and others helped the Wolverines win the CFP National Championship.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler noted Bredeson was on the field for 26 of Blake Corum's 28 offensive touchdowns (Corum set the school single-season rushing TD record with 27).

4. Highly decorated

In addition to being placed on scholarship in 2023, Bredeson was named the team's Most Improved Player on Offense and was nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy, which has been presented annually since 2010 to an FBS player who began his college career as a walk-on.

Bredeson was nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy in each of his final three seasons.

In 2024, Bredeson won the school's Toughest Player of the Year recognition and received the Robert P. Ufer Bequest, a scholarship in honor of the former "Voice of Meechigan football" to recognize a player who "demonstrates the most enthusiasm and love for U-M."

He repeated those honors in 2025 and garnered the LowMan Trophy, which recognizes the top fullback in college football. Bredeson was selected Third-Team All-Big Ten by league coaches last season, as well.

5. Inspirational film

Beyond earning respect from opposing coaches, Bredeson was admired by teammates on both sides of the ball.

McCarthy posted "FOX HOLE GUY" on X after Bredeson's selection by the Vikings, and defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny, who was drafted by Baltimore in the seventh round, was quoted by Brugler as saying, "I watch Bredeson highlights to get jacked up."

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