Before the Minnesota Vikings selected their current starting quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, there was Christian Ponder.
The Vikings took him with the 12th overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft to be the future starting quarterback with Brett Favre retiring from the NFL. Former Philadelphia Eagles and Washington starter Donovan McNabb was signed to be the starter, and Ponder to take over eventually. Early-season struggles from McNabb forced him to the bench and Ponder to take over as the starter.
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While it wasn’t all bad, Ponder never got into the needed rhythm and was out of the NFL by 2016. So what led to his struggles early in his NFL career?
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7).© Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Ponder spoke with Joe Poduslenko on The Post Game Podcast, where they discussed various topics, including his life outside of football and his football journey. The podcast revealed that an injury at Florida State during his junior season would bug him heading into a big ACC matchup against the Clemson Tigers.
“I had a really great year, was actually going to turn pro probably after my junior season. Except, I think it was the ninth or tenth game of the year, we’re playing Clemson, and the week before, basically I broke my ribs, didn’t practice all week, was uncertain if I was going to play. Was a game-time decision, decided I wanted to play, was not mentally prepared for that game going back to preparation because of my uncertainty on whether I was going to play, I just did not prepare myself to play.”
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Ponder discussed how the Seminoles started the game well, but multiple interceptions later changed the game. It was the final interception that caused his injury.
“Last interception of the game was gonna be a pick-six unless I went and tackled the guy, and I was so mad, my pride kicked in and I tried to go hit this 235-pound safety as hard as I could. I ended up injuring my shoulder, third-degree AC joint separation, had surgery that ends my season on my throwing shoulder.”
“I just never felt like I threw the football the same. I had this confidence beforehand, I just felt like, obviously I would miss some throws, I was never perfect, but I always had the confidence I wouldn’t miss. I just trusted my arm and my ability as a quarterback. And I think after that injury, I just never felt the same. I think that slight lack of confidence in myself, on top of the added pressure of being a first-round draft pick and someone who was thought to be over-drafted, it was hard for me. Any position, but especially quarterback, if you are not confident in your abilities, you’re always gonna be playing from behind. I was not confident, I dealt with a lot of anxiety, and it had an effect on how I played on the field.”
During his four seasons with the Vikings, Ponder went 14-21-1 as the starter, completing 59.8% of his passes for 6,658 yards and 38 touchdowns to 36 interceptions. Despite leading the Vikings to the postseason in 2012, he could never live up to his expectations and was eventually replaced by Matt Cassel and Teddy Bridgewater.
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Ponder hopped around in the NFL, playing for the Raiders, Broncos, and 49ers between 2015 and 2016. He did not sign with another team after the 2016 NFL season.
While many will see Ponder as a draft bust, it’s understandable now to hear the whole story. There might be more of an appreciation of how he battled through and wanted to stay on the Vikings despite being benched.
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