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Christian Ponder Says He Squandered Chance With Minnesota Vikings

By Charles Rahrig V

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The former first-round pick looks back as his final days with the Minnesota Vikings approaches.

With the Vikings season coming to an end this Sunday, likely will quarterback Christian Ponder’s time with the Vikings. Ponder was drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Four years later he looks to be on his way out the door as the Vikings failed to pick up his option for next season.

Since then the Vikings have gone through Ponder, Josh Freeman, and Matt Cassel at the quarterback position. This year they drafted Teddy Bridgewater, who has had a good rookie season and has given Vikings fans hope for the future.

Speaking to Bryan Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Ponder looked back on his four year rise and fall in Minneapolis.

"“I didn’t take full advantage of the opportunity I was given, Thinking back to my first year, 3-13, that was kind of rude awakening to the NFL. It was a tough year. Got beat up. Won one game as a starter. It was tough. It was a learning experience. I felt going into my second year, I had a lot of confidence. Started off really well. Middle of it had a struggle and got out of it to make the playoffs. One of my fondest memories was beating Green Bay to get into the playoffs. Such a fun night. Beating Green Bay at home to get into the playoffs. Of course I couldn’t play the next week. Last year was such a weird season. Bringing Josh (Freeman) in, not starting well. Starting Matt (Cassel). Starting Josh. Concussion against Chicago and then Matt started rest of the year. One way to describe is up and down. It’s really been a roller coaster.”"

With the Vikings going forward, so will Ponder wherever he may end up. There are a lot of teams struggling to find a quarterback, and certainly one will look to take a chance on a guy who has shown maturity in how he evaluates himself.

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