Updated

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.

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.