Deion Sanders posts emotional tribute as Colorado Buffaloes QB dies at 23
Deion Sanders has led emotional tributes for Dominiq Ponder who has tragically passed away.
Police said the 23-year-old Colorado quarterback died in a single-car crash in Boulder County early on Sunday morning.
According to Colorado State Patrol, Ponder lost control of his Tesla on a curve and hit a guardrail.
The car then struck an electrical pole, before rolling down a hill and catching fire. Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ponder appeared in just two games for the Buffaloes in 2025 after transferring from Bethune-Cookman, and Dallas Cowboys legend Sanders, who is the head coach of Colorado, posted his tribute on social media.
“God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones,” Sanders posted on X.
“Dom was one of my favorites! He was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader. Let’s pray for all that knew him & had the opportunity to be in his presence. Lord, you’re receiving a good 1.”
Tributes poured over the course of Sunday, including fellow quarterback Colten Allen.
“Dom, you were a blessing to so many people,” Allen posted on Instagram.
“You had a presence about you that just made everything better. You brought so much joy to me and everyone around you.
“I’m grateful for every lift, every practice, every rep, every conversation we got to share. I’ll carry those with me for the rest of my life.”
The Buffaloes were slated to begin spring practise on Monday.
Colorado Buffaloes ‘heartbroken’ by tragic loss
Ponder was a third-year sophomore from Opa Locka, Florida, recorded two rushes and a pass attempt in 2025 after not playing in 2024.
He played high school football at Carol City and Naples in Florida, and came to Bethune-Cookman from Myrtle Beach Collegiate Academy in South Carolina.
The Buffaloes’ Athletics department released a statement on the tragic loss.
“The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder,” said Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo via the College’s website.
“He epitomized the values of passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness, and intelligence that were revered by his teammates and coaches alike.
“Our hearts go out to his family and all of his teammates during this difficult time.”
The statement also reads that the College is “making counselling resources available to student athletes and staff to assist during this time of unimaginable loss.”
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