Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder has revealed that he is improving as a player despite not getting his desired place in the team.

Ponder was drafted in 2011 and has since lost ground to both Matt Cassel and Teddy Bridgewater, but the player doesn't appear to be looking at a future away from the side.

"I'm learning so much right now. I do feel like it's beneficial for me to be right here right now," said Ponder, according to the St Paul Pioneer Press.

"As a competitor, though, you want to be the guy that's out there playing. But I do feel like in the situation I'm in right now, I am getting better though I'm not playing."

The new NFL season is due to get underway in September.