Deion Sanders Delivers Emotional Eulogy for Colorado Player Who Died at 23

Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders mourns the tragic loss of sophomore quarterback Dominiq Ponder.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders gave an emotional eulogy at the funeral of his sophomore quarterback Dominiq Ponder, who died in a tragic car crash at the age of 23. Sanders spoke about Ponder's character, work ethic, and leadership, and said he was 'chosen' by God to bring the team together. The coach also expressed regret that he couldn't 'send back a man' to Ponder's parents after they 'sent us a boy'.

Why it matters

Ponder's sudden and tragic passing has deeply impacted the Colorado football community, with Sanders and the team visibly grieving the loss of a young player with so much promise. The eulogy highlights the profound impact Ponder had on his teammates and coaches, and the importance of cherishing each moment with loved ones.

The details

Dominiq Ponder, a 23-year-old sophomore quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes, died in a car crash last week. Head coach Deion Sanders, known as 'Coach Prime', delivered an emotional eulogy at Ponder's funeral, speaking about the player's character, work ethic, and leadership abilities. Sanders said he wished he could have 'sent back a man' to Ponder's parents after they 'sent us a boy', and expressed that Ponder was 'chosen' by God to bring the team together.

  • Ponder died in a tragic car crash this past week.
  • Sanders delivered the eulogy at Ponder's funeral.

The players

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team, known as 'Coach Prime', who delivered an emotional eulogy for Dominiq Ponder.

Dominiq Ponder

A 23-year-old sophomore quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes who tragically passed away in a car crash.

Shedeur Sanders

Deion Sanders' son, who is set to start at quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes after success at Jackson State.

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What they’re saying

“We always ask questions about why this happened … 'God, why this and why that?' When we're successful, we're excelling, and overcoming adversity, we never ask God, 'Why?' then. Only in our demise and sadness of life, we challenge and ask God,' Why?' I think I've got the solution.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes

“As I look right there, and look at a young man so full of life – so full of respect, bustle, hard work, and integrity. I ask God, 'For real?' And he whispered: 'Dom was chosen.'”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes

“The only darn thing I have regret for is that when you sent us a boy. I wanted to send you back a man.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes

What’s next

Sanders has confirmed that the team will hold a memorial service to honor Ponder's memory and legacy.

The takeaway

Ponder's tragic passing has deeply impacted the Colorado football community, with Coach Prime and the team visibly grieving the loss of a young player with so much promise. The heartbreaking eulogy highlights the profound impact Ponder had on those around him, and the importance of cherishing each moment with loved ones.