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Sutherland Today
By the People, for the People
UNI College Football Player Parker Sutherland Dies at 18, Days Before His Birthday
The 18-year-old's death has devastated the UNI football team and community.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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Parker Sutherland, a tight end for the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) football team, has died at the age of 18, just days before his 19th birthday. The cause of Sutherland's death was not released out of respect for his family. UNI's head football coach, Todd Stepsis, described Sutherland as having 'embodied everything we look for in a UNI Football Panther,' with his 'character, humility, toughness and genuine love of others' making him a true champion.
Why it matters
The tragic loss of a young athlete like Parker Sutherland has deeply impacted the UNI football team and the broader university community. His death at such a young age has left the team and his loved ones devastated, and it raises questions about the challenges and risks faced by college athletes.
The details
Sutherland, a tight end, played just four games with the UNI Panthers in 2025 before his death. Prior to joining UNI, he was a standout athlete at Iowa City High School, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. Sutherland also enjoyed hobbies like video games, movies, pickleball, and Legos.
- Sutherland died on February 14, 2026, just 10 days before his 19th birthday on February 24.
- On February 12, 2026, Cedar Falls Fire and Rescue responded to a call about an 'unconscious/fainting (non-trauma)' incident at a UNI athletics facility, where Sutherland was found.
The players
Parker Sutherland
An 18-year-old tight end for the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) football team who tragically passed away just days before his 19th birthday.
Todd Stepsis
The head football coach for the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), who described Sutherland as embodying everything the team looks for in a player.
Megan Franklin
The director of athletics at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), who expressed devastation over Sutherland's passing and said the university's Panther family will support his loved ones.
What they’re saying
“His talent and potential excited us on a daily basis, but it failed to compare to the type of person and teammate he was.”
— Todd Stepsis, UNI Head Football Coach (people.com)
“It is a heartbreaking day for our Panther Athletics family. We are devastated — just devastated. The blessing is that we have a Panther family who will hold the Sutherland family, our football team, and our athletics staff close as we grieve.”
— Megan Franklin, UNI Director of Athletics (people.com)
What’s next
The university has not released the cause of Sutherland's death, out of respect for his family. Support services will be available to UNI students, faculty, and staff as they grieve the loss of the young athlete.
The takeaway
The tragic passing of Parker Sutherland, a promising young college football player, has left the UNI community devastated. This loss highlights the fragility of life and the importance of supporting student-athletes both on and off the field, as they navigate the challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and personal well-being.
