Dominiq Ponder left his mark not just on his former teammates as the quarterback at Naples High School but also those he played against and the friends he made in Southwest Florida. That’s why the news of his passing on March 1 caused an outpouring of grief from those who knew him locally.
The former Naples quarterback died at 23 following a single-car accident just outside of Boulder, Colorado. He was in the quarterback room for the Buffaloes, set to enter his third season with the program.
Many of his former teammates and classmates, along with football players in the Southwest Florida community who worked out with him, put out tributes in memory of their friend on social media. A GoFundMe has been started for Ponder’s family in the wake of his loss.
Here’s what some of them posted on their Instagram stories about Ponder.
CJ Dietzel, former Naples RB: “Rest east Qb1”
Malique Dieudonne, former Palmetto Ridge WR: “Me, You, KG, Judah, & Joe was out here this day & (expletive) was late 2024 but (expletive) felt not too long ago. Anytime i was tryna put in some work you was there! We got to talk about our college experience a few times on this field & how (expletive) wasn’t easy for all of us. You always had a smile on your face just wish this wasn’t the last time I said by to you.”
Kamonte Grimes, former Palmetto Ridge WR: “i just don’t get it… love ya & i’ll stream for you twin”
Augie Kent, former Naples DB: “He was always the kid with a smile on his face no matter the circumstances. Loving Heart.”
Collin Miles, former Naples DE: “I can’t even comprehend what’s going on right now. I love you man”
Devin Moore, former Naples DB: “Love U Fam. Untill We Meet Again”
Michael Moriarty, former Naples LB: “Gone to soon. Until we meet again”
Stanley Philogene, former Lely DB: “Dom was a guy who would always try to keep everyone around him laughing. He would always treat a challenge like a journey and never back down.”
Carter Quinn, Lely QB: Rest easy family. Always be someone I look up to”
Molly Richards, former Naples classmate: There’s no way. Taken way too soon. Completely broken. This is a weird one to process. But despite everything we went thru no one deserves to die especially at such a young age. i’m still always thankful for getting to know you and to have you be apart of my life for so long. We had just started our friendship again within the month and to see how much youve grown and matured is a blessing. Condolences to the Ponder family. I am so so sorry for your loss. Fly high Dom. Till we meet again. I will always have a special place for you in my heart. forever and always. Kisses.”
James Sylvestre, former Naples DB: “Love ya brudda fly high”
Landon Wolny, Community School of Naples TE: “Can’t believe this man. The long talks, the laughs, and going out after football games gonna forever be missed. Love you like a brother. Always told me was never going to transfer because he wanted to be the best QB in the room. A man who never doubted himself and inspired me to keep chasing his dreams. This year was his year, all the workouts, throwing sessions, and life/football advice phone calls on what to do He always answered my calls. Until we meet again in heaven, I love you bro”
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X: @NP_AlexMartin. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: SWFL reacts to former Naples, Colorado QB Dominiq Ponder dying in crash
Reporting by Alex Martin, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
