University of Northern Iowa Football Star Parker Sutherland Dies at 18

The college confirms the death of the 18-year-old freshman tight end, leaving the community devastated.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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University of Northern Iowa football player Parker Sutherland, an 18-year-old freshman tight end, has died. The college's director of athletics and head football coach expressed deep sadness over Sutherland's passing, describing him as an exceptional teammate and person who embodied the values of the Panther football program. The cause of Sutherland's death has not been publicly shared, though local police responded to an incident at the school's football complex shortly before his death.

Why it matters

The sudden loss of a young student-athlete is always a tragic event that shakes a college community. Sutherland's death has left his teammates, coaches, and fellow students grieving, highlighting the importance of mental health support and resources for student-athletes facing challenges.

The details

Parker Sutherland, a freshman tight end for the University of Northern Iowa football team, died on Saturday, February 14. The college's director of athletics, Megan Franklin, and head coach, Todd Stepsis, issued statements expressing their devastation over Sutherland's passing and praising his character, talent, and potential. Sutherland had appeared in four games during his freshman season. The cause of his death has not been publicly shared, though local police responded to an incident at the school's football complex shortly before his death.

  • Sutherland died on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • Sutherland had appeared in four UNI games as a tight end during his 2025 freshman season.

The players

Parker Sutherland

An 18-year-old freshman tight end for the University of Northern Iowa football team who passed away.

Megan Franklin

The director of athletics at the University of Northern Iowa.

Todd Stepsis

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

Natalia Flack

A fellow first-year student at the University of Northern Iowa who knew Sutherland.

Iowa City High principal

The principal of the high school that Sutherland and Flack both graduated from last year.

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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, Director of Athletics, University of Northern Iowa

“I'm heartbroken. No words can express my condolences to [his parents] Adam [and] 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.”

— Todd Stepsis, Head Coach, University of Northern Iowa Football

“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, Head Coach, University of Northern Iowa Football

“Passing him in the hallways and seeing his friendly face and just saying 'hi'. It was really hard. I couldn't believe it. I had just seen him on Wednesday and he was smiling, happy eating, like he always is. And just a couple days later, he was gone. It's just surreal.”

— Natalia Flack, Fellow First-Year Student, University of Northern Iowa (KCRG)

“This loss is heartbreaking, and we know it will impact many in our community. We extend our deepest condolences to Parker's family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.”

— Iowa City High principal (KCRG)

The takeaway

The tragic and sudden loss of Parker Sutherland, a young student-athlete with a bright future, has left the University of Northern Iowa community devastated. This event highlights the importance of providing robust mental health support and resources for student-athletes, who often face immense pressure and challenges both on and off the field.