Deion Sanders mourns the tragic death of Colorado QB Dominiq Ponders at just 23 (Getty Images)

Deion Sanders spoke from the heart on March 1, 2026. Hours after Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died in a car crash, the Colorado Buffaloes coach shared a public tribute.Sanders did not talk about football. He spoke about leadership, respect, and faith. His message made clear why Ponder meant more to him than a name on the depth chart.

Deion Sanders leans on faith while honouring Dominiq Ponder, whom he called “one of my favorites”

In a post on X on March 1, Deion Sanders wrote, “God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones. Dom was one of my favorites! He was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader. Let’s pray for all that knew him & had the opportunity to be in his presence. Lord, you’re receiving a good 1.”The words reflected Sanders’ long-standing approach to coaching. Since arriving in Boulder in December 2022, Sanders has built Colorado’s program around accountability, belief, and personal growth. He often speaks about leadership in his team meetings and public appearances. On Sunday, that philosophy surfaced again.Sanders has faced public criticism during his tenure, yet within the program, he has continued to emphasise character. Ponder fit that mould. The 23-year-old joined Colorado in 2024 after transferring from Bethune-Cookman, where Sanders previously coached before taking the Colorado job. Though Ponder did not play for Sanders at Bethune-Cookman, the shared HBCU connection carried weight.In Colorado, Ponder served as a backup quarterback. He appeared in limited action during the 2025 season. His most recent appearance came on November 2, 2025. Coaches valued his presence in meetings and practice sessions.Authorities later confirmed that Ponder died around 3:00 a.m. on March 1 in a single-car accident on Baseline Road in Boulder County. The Colorado State Patrol said his 2023 Tesla Model 3 lost control on a curve, struck a guardrail and pole, rolled down an embankment, and caught fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Sanders’ tribute did not mention the crash. Instead, he centred the message on faith and remembrance. That choice aligns with his history. Whether after wins, losses or personal setbacks, Sanders often turns to prayer publicly.By calling Ponder “one of my favorites” and “a Born Leader,” Sanders gave insight into their bond. In a program built on strong personalities and national attention, he chose to highlight humility and respect. For Colorado, the loss feels personal. For Sanders, it feels deeper.