The NFL and the Colorado Buffaloes community are shocked and mourning the loss of Dominique Ponder after news of his passing made headlines.

The 23-year-old quarterback was involved in a fatal single-car accident on Sunday. The police reported that Ponder died after he lost control of his car on Baseline Road near Newland Court. 

The news of his death was confirmed by Buffalo's head coach Dieon Sanders, who eulogized Ponder on his social media. 

“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,” Sanders wrote. 

He also urged fans to pray for Ponder’s family and friends. The news of his death has pained many football fans, as many expressed their feelings on X.

Under a post shared by Dov Kleiman, which reported this tragedy, fans collectively expressed their sorrow for the loss of such a young player.

One fan mourned the loss of the quarterback’s future and prayed for his family’s well-being. 

“Absolutely heartbreaking. 23 is far too young. A life full of potential, dreams, and moments still waiting to happen, gone in an instant. Prayers and strength to his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who loved him. May he rest in peace.”

Similarly, other fans commented on just how young Ponder was. 

“Terrible news. Way too young. Thoughts and prayers to his loved ones,” one wrote, which was followed up by “Awful news just a kid. Prayers flowing for the family.” 

Ponder’s Final Season With the Buffalos

Ponder was a third-year sophomore from Opa Locka and transferred from Bethune-Cookman to the Buffaloes. He spent the last two seasons with the Buffaloes and appeared in the last two games of the 2025 season.

He recorded two rushes and one pass attempt. 

Colorado University and Buffaloes fans are devastated by Ponder’s death. Two fans sent wishes for Ponder’s family and his football fraternity. 

“Prayers up for the Ponder family, Coach Prime and Buffaloes Nation,” one fan wrote. Another comment shared a similar sentiment and wrote, “Prayers to the Ponder family and the CU family. Horrible news.” 

The 23-year-old has left behind his father, Wendell L. Ponder II, who was a Sharpsville athlete himself, and his mother, Catrina Ponder.

Share your thoughts in the comments and follow the Cleveland Browns Community for more news.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu