National Football League

Ponder names newborn daughter after ex-Florida State coach Bowden

Published Jul. 22, 2014 5:20 p.m. ET

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder found an interesting way to honor one of his former coaches -- he named his baby daughter after him.

Christian and Samantha Ponder decided to name their newborn Bowden Sainte-Claire Ponder. The first name comes from the quarterback's college coach at Florida State, Bobby Bowden.

"I've never had a girl named after me," Bowden told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I've had everything else I can think of. I've had horses, I've had dogs, I've even had pigs. I've had a lot of things named after me but this is the first time I've had a girl, a daughter."

Ponder was at Florida State for four years under Bowden, from 2006-09. He redshirted in 2006 and threw just 18 passes in 2007 before becoming the Seminoles starting quarterback in 2008, passing for over 2,000 yards in each of the next three seasons. Bowden retired after the 2009 season and Jimbo Fisher coached Ponder in 2010. He was a first-round pick by the Vikings after the conclusion of that season.

The history between Ponder and Bowden dates back earlier, as Bowden also coached Christian's dad, David, from 1980-83.

"I thanked him," Bowden said he told Ponder after receiving the news. "I wished him the best. I love everything that Christian stands for. I was very pleased and happy for him."

Of course, the true honor might be if Bowden Ponder's first word is "dadgummit."

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