The University of Northern Iowa announced the death of tight end Parker Sutherland on Saturday, Feb. 14.
According to a news release from the school, the tight end died Saturday morning. It did not disclose a cause of death.
“I’m heartbroken,” UNI football coach Todd Stepsis said in the news release. “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.”
The Iowa City, Iowa native appeared in four games for the Panthers in 2025, earning redshirt status. He earned second-team all-state status as a senior at Iowa City High School, where he also played basketball and baseball.
‘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,’ UNI athletics director Megan Franklin said. ‘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.’