Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder has died. He was 23.
“God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones,” Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said in a statement via X on Sunday, March 1, confirming the young athlete’s death. “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. Comfort us Lord Comfort us. #CoachPrime”
An official cause of death was not immediately available. Us Weekly reached out to the university for more information.
“The Colorado Football family mourns the passing of Dominiq Ponder,” the school said in a statement via X. “We honor his life, his spirit, and the light he brought to Boulder. Forever a Buffalo.”
According to Scott Procter of DNVR Buffs, Ponder was killed in a single-vehicle crash.
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“RIP Dominiq Ponder 🙏🏽,” Proctor posted via X. “The Colorado QB passed away in a single-car accident. Tragic news on the eve of spring ball.”
The Buffalos are scheduled to begin their spring practice schedule on Monday, March 2, where Ponder — who has served as the backup quarterback — would’ve had an opportunity to compete for the starting job.
Teammates took to social media to share their heartfelt messages for Ponder and his family, including fellow quarterback Colton Allen.
“Dom, you were a blessing to so many people,” Allen said via Instagram, along with a carousel of photos with him and Ponder together. “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.”
He continued, “What happened feels so final. It feels heavy. It hurts. But I know God promises eternal life through faith in Him, and that’s the only thing giving peace right now. This isn’t the end of your story. I love you, brother. Thank you for everything. Until we meet again.”
Folsom Field Andrew Wevers/Getty Images
Former Colorado quarterback Ryan Staub chimed in as well on his Instagram story, sharing photos of him and Ponder. Staub transferred to the University of Tennessee in January.
“At a complete loss for words rn,” Staub posted via Instagram. “Life isn’t fair and this doesn’t feel real. You were always a pleasure to be around. We motivated each other and kept each other in check. Love you forever and gone way too soon. Fly high, Dom.”
Ponder spent the last two seasons at Colorado after transferring from Bethune-Cookman University in Florida.
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He played high school football at Carol City and Naples in Florida, and went to Bethune-Cookman from Myrtle Beach Collegiate Academy in South Carolina.
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While at Bethune-Cookman, Ponder was supposed to play under NFL legend Ed Reed, until Reed’s contract negotiations fell through and he did not become the head coach. Despite that, when Reed went to visit Colorado in 2024 — after Ponder had transferred to the Buffalos — he recognized the young quarterback.
“I’m so thankful and blessed to have @TwentyER in my life,” Ponder posted via X in 2024, along with photos of him and Reed together. “Love you Coach Reed thank you for a GREAT GREAT MOTIVATIONAL speech! 🙏 #SkoBuffs @CUBuffsFootball.”
While giving a speech to the team during the 2024 visit, Reed paused after seeing Ponder and gave him a hug in a heartfelt moment, before continuing with his speech.
