Spring football is usually about fresh starts, competition, and optimism for the season ahead. But for the Colorado Buffaloes, the opening week of spring practice in Boulder carried far deeper meaning.
The Buffaloes wrapped up the first week of spring workouts Friday with a spirited third practice — the first full-pads session of the spring — but the atmosphere around the program has been shaped by grief after the loss of teammate Dominiq Ponder.
For head coach Deion Sanders, the challenge this week has been helping players process that loss while continuing to move forward together.
“We got to keep going,” Deion Sanders said following practice. “We going to love him, we going to appreciate him, we going to uplift him, we going to support the family, friends and loved ones. But we got to keep going.”
A Program United in Grief
Earlier in the week, the Colorado community gathered inside historic Folsom Field for a candlelight vigil honoring Dominiq Ponder.
Players, coaches, staff members and supporters stood together under the stadium lights reflecting on the life of a teammate whose presence had become part of the program’s daily rhythm.
Memorial services for Dominiq Ponder are scheduled at the Glenn Miller Ballroom inside the University Memorial Center on campus.
For many players the loss has been deeply personal — and for some it represents the first experience confronting grief so close to home.
Deion Sanders has encouraged players to face those emotions openly rather than hide them.
“It doesn’t make you soft for a man to cry,” Deion Sanders said. “It doesn’t make you soft for a man to show his emotions.”
Leaning on Each Other
Veteran punter Damon “Mate II” Greaves said players have leaned on one another during the difficult week.
“It’s certainly been a very tough few days,” Damon Greaves said. “But the support we have around us with the coaches and support staff, we couldn’t be more thankful for that.”
Teammates have spent time together off the field, checking in on each other and sharing memories of Dominiq Ponder.
In moments like these, the bonds within a football team become stronger than wins or losses.
First Full-Pads Practice Brings Competitive Energy
Despite the emotional week, Colorado players returned to the field Friday ready to compete.
The third practice of the spring marked the first full-pads workout of camp and the intensity immediately showed.
Running backs attacked the line of scrimmage with urgency while defensive players brought physical contact to drills across the field.
“The practices have been phenomenal,” Deion Sanders said. “The energy of the coaching staff has been extraordinary.”
A New Coaching Staff Takes Shape
Colorado enters the upcoming season with a refreshed coaching staff that includes offensive coordinator Brendan Marion and defensive coordinator Chris Marve.
Deion Sanders emphasized leadership when building the group.
“You’re mainly looking for coordinators that have that head coach feel,” Deion Sanders said. “I want them to be the head coach of the offense and defense.”
According to Deion Sanders, the staff collectively brings nearly 300 years of coaching experience across the college and professional levels.
Installing the Go-Go Offense
On offense, Colorado is implementing Brendan Marion’s Go-Go system, a fast-paced attack designed to create mismatches and increase scoring opportunities.
The philosophy is simple.
“Thirty points per game is our threshold,” Deion Sanders said. “When we score 30 points we win.”
Early impressions of the offense have been encouraging — particularly within Colorado’s wide receiver room.
“It’s a much better room,” Deion Sanders said. “They love the practice. They love the work.”
Honoring Dominiq Ponder Moving Forward
As the team moves forward, the memory of Dominiq Ponder remains central to the program.
Colorado plans to wear a commemorative patch this season to honor the fallen teammate.
“He will be appreciated,” Deion Sanders said. “You will understand his presence this season because he was a vital part of this team.”
Looking Ahead to the Spring Game
Colorado fans will get the first look at the new roster during the AT&T Black & Gold Day Spring Game at Folsom Field.
The annual showcase will give Buff Nation a preview of the team’s development heading into the upcoming season.
Football, Family and Forward Momentum
The opening week of spring practice has carried a mix of grief, resilience and determination for the Buffaloes.
The team continues honoring a teammate while pushing forward toward the season ahead.
Support each other. Remember the teammate. Keep working.
Those have been the guiding principles for Colorado during one of the most emotional weeks in program history.