Christian Ballard sacks Aaron Rodgers

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is sacked by Vikings defensive end Christian Ballard in the fourth quarter in Green Bay on Saturday. / Wm. Glasheen/Post-Crescent Media

Vikings DT Christian Ballard To Join Harlem Globetrotters On Friday

By Mike Wobschall

April 5, 2012

Vikings DT Christian Ballard will join the world famous Harlem Globetrotters in a comical football routine at the Target Center during the third quarter of the game on Friday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m CT.

In celebration of Ballard’s guest appearance, the Globetrotters are collaborating with the Vikings to donate tickets for Friday’s game to youth from The Zanewood Recreation Center of Brooklyn Park.

Ballard will join a long list of NFL stars to participate in “Globetrotter Football” including, Ben Roethlisberger, Ray Rice, Brandon Jacobs, Jay Cutler, Lance Briggs, and many others. The Globetrotters cater their famous football skit to the skills of the NFL player.

The Globetrotters bring two games to the Target Center on Friday, April 6 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at www.harlemglobetrotters.com and the Target Center Box Office.

The Globetrotters will play over 270 games on the North American portion of the 2012 World Tour, bringing the Globetrotter magic to over 230 cities in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and five Canadian provinces.

Sponsored by Howard Johnson Hotels, Greyhound Lines, Spalding, and Russell Athletic, the Original Harlem Globetrotters will celebrate their 86th consecutive year in 2012, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 120 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans—among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents—over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters’ official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

Vikings Did Well Taking Chance on Christian Ballard

By Gabe Zaldivar

May 1, 2011

2011 NFL Draft Grades are in for the Minnesota Vikings. Their fourth round pick for Christian Ballard stole the show.

The Vikings found not only a starter in the fourth round, they found someone who will make the rest of the defensive attack better.

Ballard is a hard working end that loves the game. If there was something he loved more, it would be getting to the quarterback. His high motor will command a lot of attention on the line.

He is a bit inconsistent. If he can find some measure of a rhythm at the line, the Vikings may have the biggest value pick of the draft.

Ballard has the power and speed to be a top-tier producer. If he can find that perfect mix of skill and maturity, the Vikings will be very glad they took a shot at him in the fourth.