Colorado football OC Brennan Marion reflects on Dominiq Ponder

Colorado football was back on the practice field, but with heavy hearts following the tragic death of backup quarterback Dominiq Ponder.

Tributes poured in Sunday evening, and several players, including offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, spoke to the media following Monday's practice, giving them a chance to reflect on Ponder's legacy.

Marion was eloquent in describing Ponder as a person and a player, despite having coached him for only a few months.

Here's everything Marion talked about reflecting on Ponder and the spirit of the team at Monday's practice:

Marion inspires the Colorado offense following Ponder's passing

"I need something right now This is for my boy Dom. Dom on three. Let's go," Marion said before the start of Monday's practice.

🔥 Powerful. Coach Marion. Inspiring the Team. Tribute to Dom 💛

“I need something right now. This is for my boy Dom. Dom on 3. Lets Go” https://t.co/XCBFtxiprPpic.twitter.com/XI5LoQxjAc— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) March 2, 2026

Marion on Ponder's impact

"Dom had an impact on everybody...his energy was contagious."

Colorado OC Brennan Marion says Dominiq Ponder would pick up true freshman QB Kaneal Sweetwyne everyday for workouts.

“Dom had an impact on everybody … his energy was contagious.” pic.twitter.com/DIIi6KM52L— Scott Procter (@ScottProcter_) March 2, 2026

On being vulnerable during practice

"We have been vulnerable with each other, tears. Trying to help each other out. We had to lead, and I think we did that this morning," Marion said.

Marion has been coaching Dominiq Ponder for the past few months

"His work ethic. He flash carded every single play of my playbook I gave him. He picked Kaneal [Sweetwyne] up every day and brought him to practice. Dom touched everybody."

On finding success through adversity

"We have the type of group that adversity won't break us, it'' help us break records," Marion said. "I know that we'll find a way to get through it and honor Dom."

That is a great mindset from Marion and was echoed by other players who spoke on Monday, including safety Ben Finneseth.

On remembering Ponder throughout the season

Marion got emotional when discussing how the team will honor Ponder throughout the season, especially in the locker room.

"We'll save a spot for him in the room," Marion said.

Brennan Marion gets emotional talking about what he’ll remember most about Dominiq Ponder

“We’ll save a spot for him in the room” 😔 pic.twitter.com/XMzAuo7eu7— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) March 2, 2026

How Colorado coached Monday's practice

"We coached differently today," Marion admitted. "We coached how you would coach your child. For them to go out there was amazing today."

Colorado is currently conducting their first Spring Practice after the tragic loss of Dominiq Ponder.

The team held an emergency meeting yesterday and they all agreed to keep up with practice because Dom would want them to keep working.❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/uflIr4CCYk— GUCCE (@gucceCU) March 2, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Brennan Marion on Dominiq Ponder after Colorado football practice