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Iowa City Today
By the People, for the People
UNI Football Player Parker Sutherland Dies After Collapsing During Workout
The 18-year-old freshman tight end passed away two days after the incident on campus.
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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University of Northern Iowa football player Parker Sutherland, an 18-year-old freshman tight end, collapsed during a routine workout on campus and died two days later. Head coach Todd Stepsis said Sutherland was participating in a standard warm-up when the incident occurred, and the team and medical staff immediately responded, but the cause of death has not been officially released.
Why it matters
The sudden and tragic death of a young student-athlete has shaken the UNI community and raised questions about player safety and health protocols during team workouts. Sutherland was described as a beloved teammate and leader, and the university is working with his family to honor his memory.
The details
According to coach Stepsis, Sutherland collapsed right after a warm-up during what was described as a "maximum performance" training day for the team on Thursday, February 12th. Coaches and staff immediately responded, and Sutherland received medical care, but he passed away two days later on Saturday, February 14th, just 10 days before his 19th birthday. The official cause of death has not been released.
- Sutherland collapsed during a routine workout on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
- Sutherland passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, two days after the incident.
The players
Parker Sutherland
An 18-year-old freshman tight end on the University of Northern Iowa football team who passed away after collapsing during a routine workout.
Todd Stepsis
The head coach of the University of Northern Iowa football team, who spoke about the tragic incident involving Sutherland.
John Bacon
The principal of Iowa City High School, where Sutherland previously played football, basketball, and baseball.
What they’re saying
“We're crushed. We really are.”
— Todd Stepsis, Head Coach, University of Northern Iowa Football (desmoinesregister.com)
“He always had a smile on his face. He always made people feel good about themselves.”
— Todd Stepsis, Head Coach, University of Northern Iowa Football (desmoinesregister.com)
“He lived with passion.”
— Todd Stepsis, Head Coach, University of Northern Iowa Football (desmoinesregister.com)
What’s next
The university plans to work with Sutherland's family to find a way to honor his memory, possibly by adding his name or number to the team's jerseys next season.
The takeaway
The tragic death of Parker Sutherland has deeply impacted the UNI community and raised important questions about player safety and health protocols during team workouts. As the university and Sutherland's family work to honor his memory, this incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks student-athletes face and the need for continued vigilance in protecting their wellbeing.
