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What a long, strange road it has been for Christian Ponder, the onetime Vikings franchise quarterback turned postscript at the dawn of the Teddy Bridgewater era.

So much potential, disappointment, upheaval and regret; Ponder has only begun to reconcile his four seasons in Minnesota.

"I didn't take full advantage of the opportunity I was given," he concluded.

The No. 12 overall pick of the 2011 draft is poised to become a free agent after playing out his rookie contract, having earned more than $10 million from the Vikings but not enough trust for the club to exercise a $9.68 million fifth-year option.

Too much baggage makes it highly unlikely Ponder and the Vikings will renew vows during the offseason, even though the team's other veteran quarterback, Matt Cassel, could be prowling for another starting job elsewhere.

A career reboot and another chance to compete for the No. 1 job is what Ponder wants. He will not find it standing in Bridgewater's shadow, although offensive coordinator Norv Turner says the 26-year-old Texan still is capable of the commanding role.

"Based on my experiences with guys who have been in that position and gotten opportunities, yeah, I think he could be," Turner said last week. "He's too talented to say that he can't be a starting guy."

Ponder sat down with the Pioneer Press this week for what amounted to an exit interview.

PP: You've competed against Teddy and Matt, and both have taken your job at different points. Still, you guys have been able to have a dynamic that seems pretty productive for all three of you. Why has it worked in that room?

CP: I think it's the personalities of all three of us. We approach this game as professionals. I've been impressed with Teddy. I know he was rated really high coming out of college. He's a guy that's come in and acted extremely humble and quiet and really wanted to learn from Matt and I. We're all friends. We like hanging out together off the field. No one's trying to stab each other in the back. We're there to help each other, and we understand this game how tough it can be as a starter. It's been a good group to be a part of.

Mothman wrote:

losperros wrote: Another example of the classy guy that Ponder is. There is no reason whatsoever to hate Ponder because things didn't work out.

I wish him well. Who knows? He may do much better in another system and atmosphere, even if it's as a backup QB.

Ponder's been a polarizing figure, to say the least, but I think he's handled himself with class as a Viking. It sounds like he wants a chance to play and compete elsewhere and I hope he gets it. I also hope he does well.

PacificNorseWest wrote: 100% agree.

I hope this thread steers clear of the idiots, because when you talk about Ponder the man, he's a great individual. Sometimes being a fan really blurs the line of human decency towards another human, unfortunately, and man-to-man I would wish him nothing but the best. I don't think he's anything more than a career backup, but I still hope he finds success be it that or as a starter. Whatever it is, just as I still rooted/root for Tarvaris, I'll do the same for Ponder.

yezzir wrote:Ponder was quoted saying something along the lines of him coming in to the NFL a little too cocky. I'm sure he has contrasted his rookie year attitude to Teddy's.

Good luck to him though.

Overall, Ponder’s Minnesota tenure ended on a sour note and he expects to hear it a little bit from the fans on Saturday.

“Oh, I’m going to get booed,” Ponder said. “I’m trying to figure out, we were talking about it in the quarterback room, what I should do when I get out on the field? Should I take a bow, or what? What’s going to happen? I’m expecting some boos, but it’s all fun though.”

Clearly, Ponder isn’t stressing too much about the Minnesota reaction. He had a solid debut as the Raiders’ backup quarterback, going 6 of 8 for 59 yards and a touchdown. He also threw an interception on the final play of the first half.

Ponder’s in a position with the Raiders where his role is fairly well-established. Derek Carr is the starter, he was signed to be the backup. While there’s some competition with Matt McGloin for the No. 2 spot, it’s still a fairly defined role and that likely enables him to stay loose and he’ll plan to enjoy Saturday, whatever the reaction is.

“I’m going to enjoy what I’m doing whether fans are cheering or booing,” Ponder said. “If it doesn’t happen, great, if it does happen, I’m prepared.

fiestavike wrote:I hope nobody boos.

Thaumaturgist wrote: No kidding. That would be pretty classless IMHO.

Thaumaturgist wrote: No kidding. That would be pretty classless IMHO.