10 Interesting Facts About Minnesota Vikings QB Christian Ponder

Christian Ponder is the QB for the Minnesota Vikings. Here are 10 interesting facts about him.

Christian Ponder who was born on February 25, 1988 in Dallas, Texas.. He has played QB for the Minnesota Vikings and been in the NFL since 2011.

10 interesting facts about Minnesota Vikings QB Christian Ponder

Facts #1:

Christian Ponder was chosen by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2011 NFL draft in the first round with the 12^th draft pick overall. Christian signed his rookie contract earning a 4 year/$10.15 million with all of it 100% guaranteed.

Facts #2:

Christian Ponder and his father, David, both played for the Florida State Seminoles for Bobby Bowden becoming one of several father/son players under Bowden's long tenure at FSU.

Facts #3:

Christian Ponder in his senior year of high school was ranked 14^th by Rivals and ranked 20^th by Scout of all the NFL type QBs in the country going to college.

Facts #4:

Christian Ponder received full scholarship offers from Texas Christian University, Baylor, Iowa State, Georgia Tech, North Carolina and chose Florida State University because of his Dad's relationship with coach Bobby Bowden.

Facts #5:

Christian Ponder was named Starting QB in his sophomore year ahead of senior QB Drew Weatherford. It was reported that this change was brought on by a philosophy that, “mobility trumped maturity.”

Facts #6:

Christian Ponder in 2009 was leading the ACC in most stats but his season came to an abrupt end when he separated his shoulder attempting to tackle Clemson Safety DeAndre McDaniel interception. The talk of him leaving college for the NFL draft early ended on that play.

Facts #7:

Christian Ponder in 2010 received the James Tatum award which is given to the #1 student-athlete in the county. He also received the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award. Ponder graduated with a 3.73 GPA in just 2.5 years with a degree in finance as well as his MBA. After completing his MBA, he was studying for his second graduate degree in sports management. Most likely will attend law school when done with football and become a sports agent.

Facts #8:

Christian Ponder finished his college career at FSU passing for 6,872 yards, 49Ds, 30 INTs, and a 61.8% completion rate.

Facts #9:

Christian Ponder in 2012 marked the only time he started a full season and played in all 16 games leading the Minnesota Vikings o the playoffs. He finished that year passing for 2,935 yards, 18 TDs, 12 INTs, a QBR of 81.2 and a 62.1 completion rate.

Facts #10:

Christian Ponder married ESPN reporter, Samantha Steele, who is best known for replacing Erin Andrews on ESPN, “College Gameday.” Since becoming married, she goes by the name Samantha Ponder.

Sources: Famous Birthdays, Minnesota Vikings, Sports Illustrated, Yard Barker, Pro Football Reference