There once was a time when Christian Ponder was the future of the Vikings.
Now that he’s been replaced by the next future of the Vikings, he’s coming to terms with his four years in Minnesota.
“I didn’t take full advantage of the opportunity I was given,” Ponder said, via Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
The Vikings didn’t bother picking up the option on the 2011 first-rounder’s contract, meaning he’ll be a free agent in March. But with Teddy Bridgewater showing well down the stretch, Ponder is realistic about what’s next, though he hasn’t ruled out coming back.
Ponder has seen it from every angle in Minnesota, from getting drilled as a rookie to leading his team to the playoffs, only to miss that game with an injury.
“One of my fondest memories was beating Green Bay to get into the playoffs,” he said. “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.”
The severe lack of quality quarterbacks in the NFL probably means Ponder will get another shot somewhere else. Whether he ever has a better chance than the one he had remains to be seen.