Sporting Couple Christian and Samantha Ponder Settle Down in Phoenix
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Almost two years after selling his Minnesota home -- and a few months after signing with the Oakland Raiders -- quarterback Christian Ponder and his wife, ESPN reporter Samantha Ponder, have closed on a home in Samantha's childhood city: Phoenix.
Christian Ponder, a star in college with the Florida State Seminoles, spent four up-and-down years with the Minnesota Vikings before signing with the Raiders earlier this year.
The couple's $2.2 million home sits on more than 1.5 acres of impressively manicured lawn, starting with the spacious courtyard that's guaranteed to stun their guests before they walk in the door.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Inside, the 8,048-square-foot home trends Colonial in style, with bold maple floors, dark wood built-ins, and whitewashed french doors opening to the dining room -- not to mention the stunning black marble fireplace in the sitting room.
The master retreat is enormous, with space for a sitting area and a huge adjacent bathroom tiled in white, with a jetted tub and several closets, including one built from cedar.
The quarterback will have plenty of space to stay in shape in the off-season. The home's fitness room is 322 square feet, and afternoons can be spent at the full-size basketball court tucked away in the backyard.