UNI Announces Death of Freshman Tight End Parker Sutherland

The university did not immediately reveal the cause of the 18-year-old's passing.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The University of Northern Iowa football program announced the death of tight end Parker Sutherland, a true freshman who played during the 2025 season. UNI athletics did not immediately reveal the cause of Sutherland's death.

Why it matters

The death of a young student-athlete is always a tragic event that impacts the entire university community. Sutherland's passing will likely prompt an outpouring of grief and support from his teammates, coaches, and fans of the UNI football program.

The details

Sutherland was an 18-year-old tight end from Iowa City, Iowa who was entering his first season with the UNI football team after graduating high school in 2025.

  • Sutherland's death was announced by UNI athletics on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Parker Sutherland

An 18-year-old tight end from Iowa City, Iowa who was a true freshman on the University of Northern Iowa football team during the 2025 season.

University of Northern Iowa

A public university located in Cedar Falls, Iowa that fields an NCAA Division I football team in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

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The takeaway

The tragic loss of a young student-athlete is always deeply felt by a university community. Sutherland's passing will likely prompt an outpouring of support and grief from his teammates, coaches, and fans as the UNI football program mourns this devastating loss.