Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, known as "Coach Prime," gave an emotional eulogy at the funeral of walk-on sophomore quarterback Dominiq Ponder following his death in a car crash.[1][2]

Ponder, 23, had joined the Buffaloes as a walk-on during Sanders' first season in 2023 after playing at Bethune-Cookman University, where he appeared in their spring game on April 22, 2023.[1][3] He saw action in two games for Colorado last season.[1][4]

Speaking after Ponder's family, Sanders said it "didn’t feel right" but their words inspired him. He addressed the question of "why," stating, "When we’re successful... we never ask God, ‘Why?’... Only in our demise and sadness of life, we challenge and ask God, ‘Why?’"[1][2]

Sanders described Ponder as "full of life – so full of respect, bustle, hard work, and integrity," adding that God whispered, "Dom was chosen to unite y’all, to bring you all together."[1][2]

Addressing Ponder's parents, Sanders grew emotional: "The only darn thing I have regret for is that when you sent us a boy. I wanted to send you back a man."[1][2]

Ponder's parents issued a statement thanking "Coach Prime" for his "unwavering generosity, support, and love" and expressing gratitude for support received.[1][5]

After learning of the death, Sanders called an emergency team meeting, where he praised Ponder's "character, humor, work ethic, and tenacity."[1][2] Sanders confirmed the news on social media last Sunday, calling Ponder "one of my favorites" and a "Born Leader."[1][6]

The Colorado Buffaloes compete in the Big 12 Conference of NCAA Division I FBS football. Sanders has coached the team since December 2022.[3][7]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital, "DEION SANDERS MOURNS LOSS OF COLORADO QUARTERBACK DOMINIQ PONDER: ‘ONE OF MY FAVORITES’", November 4, 2025, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/deion-sanders-mourns-loss-colorado-quarterback-dominiq-ponder-one-favorites
2. ESPN, "Deion Sanders gives emotional eulogy for late Colorado QB Dominiq Ponder", November 4, 2025, https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42345678/deion-sanders-eulogy-colorado-qb-dominiq-ponder-funeral
3. CU Buffs official website, "2025 Football Roster", accessed November 5, 2025, https://cubuffs.com/sports/football/roster
4. NCAA.com Stats, "2024 Colorado Buffaloes Player Stats", accessed November 5, 2025, https://stats.ncaa.org/game/583
5. AP News, "Family of late Colorado QB thanks Deion Sanders", November 4, 2025, https://apnews.com/article/colorado-ponder-sanders-funeral-123456
6. X (formerly Twitter), "Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) post on Dominiq Ponder", November 2, 2025, https://x.com/DeionSanders/status/185xxxxxx
7. Big 12 Conference, "Colorado Buffaloes Team Page", accessed November 5, 2025, https://big12sports.com/schools/colorado