vikings/nfl
Dan Wiederer began covering the Vikings in 2011, enthusiastically delivering insight on the team across the Star Tribune's print and digital products. Prior to joining the Access Vikings team, he spent seven seasons covering ACC basketball at The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. He also covered the Chicago Bears in 2003 and 2004. Follow him on Twitter @StribDW.
Mark Craig has covered football and the NFL the past 20 years, including the Browns from 1991-95 and the Vikings and the NFL since 2003. Since 2008, Craig has served as one of the 44 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. He can be followed on Twitter at @markcraignfl.
Ponder hopes to train with offensive linemen soon
Posted by: Chip Scoggins under Vikings, Vikings players, Chad Greenway, John Sullivan, Steve Hutchinson, Vikings quarterbacks Updated: June 7, 2011 - 11:18 AM
Our colleague Mark Craig had a story over the weekend about what some Vikings players are doing during the lockout. A group of veterans, including offensive linemen Steve Hutchinson, John Sullivan and tight end Jim Kleinsasser -- are working out together in the Twin Cities four days a week.
Rookie quarterback Christian Ponder told KFAN's Paul Allen in an interview Tuesday that he hopes to join them at some point.
"Chad Greenway had mentioned coming up there and doing some stuff up there," Ponder said. "I think that’s important for me to get up there. The biggest problem right now is that I don’t have any money. [laughing] The plan is to get up there some time and find somewhere to live. But with a lockout I’m not getting paid. But I know at some point I’ll get up there and spend some time with those guys."
Ponder continues to train at the IMG Madden Football Academy in Florida with instructor/quarterback coach Chris Weinke. Ponder had a few other interesting nuggets in his interview with Allen.
Ponder was asked how his right arm feels. Remember, he had some arm problems his final two seasons at Florida State.
"It feels great," he said. "Actually me and Chris have done some things – he’s fixed some things in my mechanics and I’m throwing the ball extremely well. That’s one thing why I’m excited for the season to get started so I can get back out there and really play."
Ponder was asked if he believes the lingering lockout is hurting his chances of becoming the team's starting quarterback in the season opener. The lockout has wiped out OTAs and minicamps, costing Ponder valuable learning time.
"I definitely don’t think it’s helping me," he said. "I need as much time and practice as I can get. It’s good what I’m doing now. But it’s completely different when you’re going against defenses and you’re getting coaching from Coach Musgrave [offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave] and being with your teammates. I definitely don’t think it’s helping me."
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