Christian Ponder’s Post-NFL Mission: A Clubhouse For Athletes

In the heart of a humid Manhattan summer, I found myself in a sleek, black-walled clubhouse, its modern decor exuding exclusivity, as a former NFL quarterback sat across from an Olympic soccer champion, their conversation echoing through the refined space. The question “Do you love to win or hate to lose?” still rattles in my brain. Yet the question was one every athlete in the audience could answer without hesitation (they all said winning is cool and all, but they really hate to lose).

That fireside chat was one of many events hosted at this unique clubhouse for elite athletes, founded by former National Football League (NFL) quarterback, Christian Ponder.

After six years in the NFL, Christian Ponder was no stranger to reinvention. Yet, after leaving professional football in 2017, he struggled to find purpose and community in traditional career paths, something he later learned was a commonality among elite athletes. His search for the elusive combination of people who would simultaneously connect with and challenge him, akin to what he experienced in the locker room, eventually led him to create something unique: The Post.

This in person and virtual clubhouse is a community-driven platform connecting high-achieving athletes now thriving in the business world. With The Post, Ponder has built not only a network but a purpose-driven organization that offers structure, support, and camaraderie for athletes turned business professionals.

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The Journey to The Post

Ponder's transition from sports to business wasn’t straightforward. Born in Tampa and raised in Dallas, Ponder grew up in a sports-oriented household; his father played football at Florida State, and his mother was also an athlete, fostering his lifelong love for competition. While he initially dreamed of playing professional baseball, it was football that ultimately became his calling. He loved competing and the position of quarterback was the perfect fit for someone who likes being in control.

He convinced his father to prepare a highlight tape, which Ponder sent to every single Division One school - over 100! The offers started coming in, and Ponder committed to his parents alma mater, Florida State University, as a quarterback.

Ponder played throughout college where he studied finance, and got his MBA. He also started a second masters in sports management. His coach planted a seed in his head that he was good enough to play for the NFL. The fact that his coach believed in him gave Ponder a new found confidence, and a new goal to achieve.

He worked out, watched film of previous games and worked day and night on his quarterback skills. “I was really driven,” shares Ponder. “I spent a lot of time working to improve.” He craved feedback, as he understood it was an opportunity for enhancement.

It worked. He played in the senior bowl and was named MVP and ultimately made his goal of playing in the NFL.

It was after an injury-riddled college career and six seasons in the NFL, Ponder found himself at a crossroads. Following his NFL career, Ponder experimented with finance and TV broadcasting, hoping to find a fulfilling post-football path. But the corporate world often lacked the values he cherished in sports: resilience, discipline, and teamwork. What he missed most was the sense of community he had in the locker room. Seeking camaraderie, he joined networking clubs like SoHo House, yet none provided the sense of belonging and support he was after. It was then he realized he could build the community he missed, creating a place for athletes transitioning into the business world—a platform that became The Post.

Building a New Locker Room for Athletes in Business

Launched in April 2023, The Post brings together former Division One, Olympic, Paralympic and professional athletes who now lead in various industries. The Post targets individuals who have thrived in both sports and business, fostering a collaborative, ambitious environment. Unlike many networking platforms, members of The Post are rigorously selected based on their athletic and professional backgrounds, with applicants undergoing a scoring and interview process to ensure alignment with the community’s values.

Upon acceptance, new members enter a "training camp" to set personal goals and chart their growth. They participate in a leadership and goal-setting workshop developed in partnership with the Motivate Lab at the University of Virginia. Each member is assigned to a “team” of 8-12 people, carefully chosen to provide accountability, support, and diverse perspectives, mirroring the teamwork Ponder experienced in football.

A Community Focused on Personal and Professional Development

The Post also hosts monthly workshops and speaker series on various professional development topics including communication, goal setting, and leadership, addressing the unique needs of athletes in business. Members gather at The Post's clubhouse in NYC’s Flatiron District, a space designed for co-working, fireside chats, and networking events. Ponder emphasizes that this isn’t just a club for socializing—it’s a place where hard work, commitment, and continuous self-improvement are the price of admission.

Expanding and Scaling The Post’s Vision

Despite its recent launch, The Post has already grown to over 500 members across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, including high-level professionals from 30 sports such as football, rowing, and tennis. Member athletes competed in the NCAA, NFL, NHL, WNBA, MLS, MLB, Olympics and Paralympics. About 47% of members are women, and the average age hovers around 40, with 60% holding VP-level or higher positions.

Beyond regular events and workshops, The Post hosts an annual Summit—a three-day event filled with competitions, learning sessions, and networking, where no participation trophies are given. You need to earn your trophy. This emphasis on competition is no accident; Ponder believes it taps into the athlete’s drive to be better, fostering a culture of excellence.

For Ponder, The Post is more than just a networking platform; it’s a community built on shared values of resilience, work ethic, and mutual support. As athletes transition into business, The Post provides the structure, accountability, and purpose that former players often miss after their careers end. In Ponder’s words, The Post “isn’t just about what you did on the field, but what you can do next.”

Click here to learn more about membership at The Post.