"Dom was chosen": Deion Sanders' emotional tribute to Colorado quarterback who died at 23

When tragedy struck the University of Colorado football program earlier this month, head coach Deion Sanders delivered a deeply moving eulogy for sophomore quarterback Dominiq Ponder, revealing the profound impact the young player had on his team and community.

The 58-year-old NFL legend, known for his intense competitiveness and motivational leadership, struggled to hold back tears as he spoke, honoring the life of a teammate, student-athlete, and young man taken far too soon.

Ponder, just 23 years old, died on March 1 in a singlevehicle accident near Boulder, Colorado. According to reports, the Tesla he was driving veered off the road, collided with a guardrail and electrical pole, and plunged down an embankment.

Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. His sudden passing sent shockwaves through the Buffaloes program and the wider college football community.

Sanders' heartfelt eulogy

At the funeral, held on the University of Colorado campus, Sanders was humbled to speak after Ponder's family, admitting it "didn't feel right" to follow them but expressing admiration for their strength.

"We always ask why this happened," Sanders said, reflecting on grief and faith. He paused, looking at the family, and shared what he believed was a divine answer: "Dom was chosen." He repeated the phrase several times, emphasizing that Ponder's life had a higher purpose, to unite those who loved him and leave an enduring mark on those around him.

Sanders' voice grew heavier as he addressed Ponder's parents, offering heartfelt anecdotes about their son.

"The only thing I regret is that when you sent us a boy ... I wanted to send you back a man," he said, pausing to compose himself. His words reflected the shared sorrow of losing someone so full of potential and promise.

Ponder, a walk-on who joined Colorado from Bethune-Cookman University, appeared in two games for the Buffaloes in 2025.

While he wasn't a standout on the stat sheet, teammates and coaches remembered him as a leader with a relentless work ethic, integrity, and a bright, encouraging presence in the locker room. Sanders' eulogy highlighted these qualities, framing Ponder's brief life as one of purpose and inspiration.

Prior to the funeral, Ponder's family expressed "heartfelt gratitude" for the support they received in the wake of the tragedy, particularly from Sanders, whom they credited for his "unwavering generosity, support, and love."

In the days following the accident, Sanders also called an emergency team meeting to console his grieving players, urging them to remember Ponder's character, humor, and tenacity as a guide through their own difficult times.

Though Dominiq Ponder's life was tragically short, the emotional tribute delivered by Deion Sanders underscored the profound influence he had on those around him - both on and off the football field.