BOULDER, Colo. — The Colorado Buffaloes shared anecdotes Monday, such as how Dominiq Ponder once scaled a 10-foot fence to allow a recuperating teammate access to the hot tub. They also conversed about his strong work ethic and his presence in the quarterback room before dawn.
This offered them an opportunity to remember their teammate, who tragically passed away early Sunday morning in a single-vehicle accident. He was 23 years old.
Coach Deion Sanders provided the players with the alternative to forgo the initial day of spring practice on Monday. However, during an urgent gathering the preceding evening – convened to collectively mourn and console each other – a consensus was reached that stepping onto the field represented the most suitable course of action.
For that was precisely what Ponder would have desired. He remained foremost in their thoughts during practice as they disbanded the huddle with a resounding chant of “Dom.”
“It was almost like a surge of vitality, as if he were present among us,” stated running back DeKalon Taylor. “Such was the sensation.”
Athletes became aware of Ponder’s demise across the course of the day. Some were informed of the tragic event Sunday after church; others, at a later point in the day. Offensive coordinator Brennan Marion recounted receiving a telephone communication from Ponder’s father while Marion was engaged in play with his own son.
“I was immobilized,” Marion stated. “I was rendered wordless while speaking with Dom’s father.”
Ponder was operating a 2023 Tesla vehicle when he failed to maintain control on a bend and collided with a guardrail, as reported by the Colorado State Patrol. The automobile subsequently impacted an electrical line pole and tumbled down an embankment. Ponder was declared deceased at the scene in Boulder County. Authorities noted that a preliminary inquiry “indicates that velocity is believed to be a contributing element.”
“God, please console the Ponder household, acquaintances & cherished individuals,” Sanders published Sunday on X. “Dom was among my most admired! He was Adored, Esteemed & an Innate Front-runner. Let’s offer supplications for everyone who encountered him & was privileged to share his company. Lord, you’re welcoming a virtuous soul.”
Sanders is anticipated to speak to the press on Friday.
“It’s distressing to be incapable of safeguarding him [Ponder] outside of play,” offensive lineman Yahya Attia commented Monday. “I still haven’t truly grasped it — I am reluctant to accept it at this moment.”
Taylor felt similarly, noting that Ponder had merely been displaying his recent skin art to him on Friday. It felt unreal to be at the practice session without Ponder’s presence.
“Initially somber,” Taylor remarked. “But we all committed ourselves. We were compelled to exert maximum effort in his honor. Everyone was moving energetically and performing optimally. And if errors occurred, they were committed with complete intensity.”
For that was how Ponder functioned — with utmost velocity. The reserve quarterback and special units participant was a front-runner who acquired the skill to direct a squad by observing individuals such as Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy recipient Travis Hunter.
“[Fellow players] observed the intensity of [Ponder’s] efforts, the fervor of his ambition, to demonstrate his capability to compete in university athletics and serve as a university signal-caller,” Marion stated concerning Ponder, who had relocated from Bethune-Cookman. “In a period where prompting individuals to exert effort is often necessary, one had to instruct Dom to cease his excessive diligence. Spending time with a young man of that caliber, his enthusiasm regarding his dedication was infectious.”
It proved challenging for Marion to be present in the quarterbacks’ room at 5:30 a.m., acutely aware that Ponder invariably arrived by that hour.
“We’ll simply reserve a place for him in the room,” Marion affirmed.
Monday’s practice was not primarily aimed at achieving high performance standards, but rather served as an opportunity to merely unite.
“We didn’t instruct with identical intensity, concerning shouting at players and becoming distraught,” Marion explained. “We mentored as one would guide their own offspring.”
Defensive back Ben Finneseth developed a close bond with Ponder from the time the 6-foot-5 second-year student from Opa-locka, Florida, joined the squad. He spent time with Ponder and his relatives during the previous year’s spring recess.
“All our future endeavors will be dedicated to him,” Finneseth stated. “It was challenging, convening collectively [Sunday], everyone present, and comprehending the event. Coach Prime inquired if we wished to train [Monday].
“We determined, collectively as a squad, that Dom would not forgo the day. He would not skip the session of physical conditioning. That is what he would have wished for us. He would have uttered, ‘Existence must proceed. Victories in championships await us, and we continue to hold objectives, and time continues its relentless advance.’”
Finneseth recounted the anecdote of how, a few weeks prior, they were socializing at his apartment complex and desired to utilize the hot tub. Finneseth, who was undergoing rehabilitation for his knee, lacked the access credential, so Ponder leapt over the high barrier to gain entry for them.
“Consistently supportive of fellow players,” Finneseth commented. “Anything we required.”
Defensive back RJ Johnson shared the identical sentiment.
“That’s what we must accomplish this season,” Johnson declared. “Compete in Dom’s honor.”