UNI football student-athlete Parker Sutherland passes away

The University of Northern Iowa community is mourning the loss of Panther football player Parker Sutherland.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Parker Sutherland, a freshman tight end on the University of Northern Iowa football team, passed away on Saturday morning. Sutherland, an Iowa City native, appeared in four games during his first season with the Panthers in 2025. UNI's athletic department and football coaching staff expressed their devastation and condolences to Sutherland's family.

Why it matters

The loss of a young student-athlete is always a tragic event that deeply impacts the entire university community. Sutherland's passing will be felt throughout the UNI football program, as well as the broader campus, as they grieve this unimaginable loss.

The details

Sutherland was a second-team all-state performer in high school, where he also excelled in basketball and baseball. He is survived by his parents Adam and Jill Sutherland, and his sister Georgia. UNI's athletic department and head coach Todd Stepsis expressed their heartbreak over Sutherland's passing and celebrated his character, talent, and potential as a Panther football player.

  • Parker Sutherland passed away on Saturday morning, February 14, 2026.

The players

Parker Sutherland

A freshman tight end on the University of Northern Iowa football team who passed away on February 14, 2026.

Megan Franklin

The University of Northern Iowa Director of Athletics.

Todd Stepsis

The head coach of the University of Northern Iowa football team.

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What they’re saying

“It is a heartbreaking day for our Panther Athletics family with the passing of our Parker Sutherland. He embraced the opportunity to play Panther football and represent the University through sport.”

— Megan Franklin, UNI Director of Athletics (1650thefan.com)

“I'm heartbroken. No words can express my condolences to Adam, Jill and Georgia. Parker embodied everything we look for in a UNI Football Panther. His talent and potential excited us on a daily basis, but it failed to compare to the type of person and teammate he was. His character, humility, toughness and genuine love of others are what champions are made of. While I'm saddened that our time together was short, we will celebrate the bright light that he brought to our football team for the rest of our lives.”

— Todd Stepsis, UNI Head Football Coach (1650thefan.com)

What’s next

The University of Northern Iowa is providing a variety of support services to students, faculty, and staff as they grieve the loss of Parker Sutherland.

The takeaway

The passing of Parker Sutherland, a young student-athlete with a promising future, is a devastating loss for the University of Northern Iowa community. His character, talent, and potential as a Panther football player will be deeply missed, and the university is rallying to support his family and teammates during this difficult time.