Former Colorado Teammate Mourned After Tragic Death

Shedeur Sanders, now with the Cleveland Browns, reacts to the passing of Dominiq Ponder in a single-car accident.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The college football world was shaken by the news that former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Dominiq Ponder, 23, had passed away in a single-car accident. Ponder's former teammate, Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, expressed his grief on social media, calling the news "hurt." Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo also mourned Ponder's death, saying he "epitomized the values" of the program.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of a young athlete like Ponder is always deeply felt within the tight-knit college football community. As a teammate and friend of Shedeur Sanders, Ponder's death is a personal tragedy that resonates beyond just the Colorado program.

The details

Ponder transferred to Colorado from Bethune-Cookman and spent the past two seasons playing under head coach Deion Sanders. Though he never received significant playing time, Ponder was described as having a passion and heart that made him a valued member of the team. The circumstances around his single-car accident are still unclear.

  • Ponder passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns quarterback who played with Ponder at Colorado in 2024.

Dominiq Ponder

The 23-year-old former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback who tragically passed away in a single-car accident.

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, who mourned the loss of Ponder as one of his "favorites" due to his passion and heart.

Fernando Lovo

The Colorado athletic director who said Ponder "epitomized the values" of the program and expressed the department's devastation over his passing.

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What they’re saying

“God, please comfort the entire Ponder family during this difficult time. Dominiq was one of my favorites because of his passion, his heart and his willingness to go beyond what was asked. He will certainly be remembered, missed and remain in our thoughts and prayers.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes (Newsweek)

“Hurt about this”

— Shedeur Sanders (Instagram)

“The entire CU Athletics family is devastated by the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder. 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.”

— Fernando Lovo, Athletic Director, Colorado Buffaloes (Newsweek)

The takeaway

The loss of a young athlete like Dominiq Ponder is a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the tight-knit bonds that form within college football programs. As teammates, coaches, and the broader community mourn Ponder's passing, it highlights the importance of cherishing each moment and supporting one another through unimaginable grief.