Colorado Buffaloes to Honour Late Quarterback Dominiq Ponder with Memorial Service
The Colorado Buffaloes football team is preparing to hold a heartfelt memorial service for their late quarterback, Dominiq Ponder, following his tragic and untimely death last week. The 23-year-old sophomore lost his life in the early hours of Sunday morning in Boulder after losing control of his 2023 Tesla Model 3, leaving the entire program and community in deep mourning.
Celebration of Life Details and Tributes
A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, March 7, on the college's Boulder campus, inviting Ponder's family, friends, teammates, coaches, and fellow students to come together and remember his legacy. According to an order of service shared by the family, Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders will deliver an emotional final tribute to close the proceedings, offering solace after consoling his heartbroken players earlier this week.
Other members of the Colorado coaching staff will also play significant roles in honouring Ponder. Coach James Chaney, the Director of Player Development, has been tasked with reading from the Scripture following the opening prayer. Additionally, offensive coordinator Brennan Marion and tight ends coach Josh Niblett will lead 'football family tributes' ahead of Coach Prime's final address, ensuring a comprehensive remembrance of the young athlete.
Family Gratitude and Community Support
Ahead of the ceremony, Ponder's family expressed their profound gratitude for the overwhelming support received during this difficult time. In a statement, they said, 'Your kindness, encouragement, and presence have brought comfort and strength to our family. We are deeply thankful to everyone who has reached out, offered words of compassion, and joined us in celebrating Dominiq’s life and legacy. Your support means more to us than words can truly express.'
The family also extended a special thank you to Coach Deion Sanders for his unwavering generosity and love. In the wake of Ponder's death, a GoFundMe page has been established to support his grieving parents, Catrina and Wendell, and his siblings, Carl and Monroe, with all proceeds directed towards funeral expenses and family support during this challenging period.
Team Grieving and Memorial Plans
Earlier this week, Sanders called an emergency team meeting as the Buffaloes embarked on spring training, with the program devastated by the quarterback's sudden passing. A video shared by Thee Pregame Show on social media captured members of the Colorado team in tears, holding their heads or covering their faces as they gathered to remember Ponder. Sanders, whose sons Shedeur and Shilo previously played for the Buffaloes, was seen comforting players and embracing them as they processed their grief.
In a heartfelt address, Sanders told his team, 'The good man that he was. His character, humor, work ethic, tenacity. It's something that I want us to remember.' Assistant coach George Hegamin added touching words, urging everyone to value their 'today' as a way to honour Ponder's memory.
Sanders also announced on social media that the team has chosen to honour Ponder with a special tribute patch on their jerseys for the 2026-27 season. After considering options like 'DOM,' 'DP 7,' 'Dom,' and 'DP 22,' the players collectively selected 'DP 22' as a lasting memorial to their teammate.
