Christian Ballard
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Career Summary
Christian Ballard was an Iowa defensive lineman selected by Minnesota in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Christian Ballard played defensive line at Iowa before Minnesota selected him in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
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Early Life
Ballard was from Lawrence, Kansas.
Iowa listed Ballard's hometown as Lawrence, Kansas.
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High School
Ballard attended Lawrence Free State High School.
Ballard was a Prep Star All-American tight end at Lawrence Free State and also competed in basketball and track.
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College Career
Ballard was a versatile Iowa defensive lineman.
Ballard started 39 consecutive games across his final three Iowa seasons, playing both defensive end and tackle. In 2010, he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition with 43 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble.
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Path to the NFL
Minnesota selected Ballard 106th overall in 2011.
The Vikings selected Ballard with the 106th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft and signed him that July.
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NFL Career
Ballard played for Minnesota in 2011 and 2012.
Ballard played in all 16 games for Minnesota as a rookie, making two starts, and appeared in all 12 games through the first 12 weeks of the 2012 season.
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Career Accomplishments
Ballard started 39 consecutive games to finish his Iowa career.
Ballard closed his Iowa career with 39 consecutive starts over three seasons.
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Playing Style
Ballard brought positional versatility to Iowa's defensive front.
Iowa used Ballard at both defensive end and defensive tackle during his senior season.
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Legacy
Ballard was part of Iowa's productive 2011 NFL draft class.
Ballard was one of six Iowa players selected in the 2011 NFL Draft, the most from any Big Ten program that year.
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23148, 00-0028044, 1989-01-03, Christian Ballard, Christian, Ballard
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