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UNI football mourns death of tight end Parker Sutherland
The freshman appeared in four games for the Panthers and was a three-sport athlete at City High School
Feb. 14, 2026 3:55 pm, Updated: Feb. 14, 2026 4:26 pm
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IOWA CITY — UNI football announced the death of freshman tight end Parker Sutherland on Saturday morning. Sutherland was just 18 years old.
“I’m heartbroken,” UNI head football coach Todd Sepsis said in the university’s statement. “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 Panthers did not release details to his death, and his family has asked for “time and space right now while they process this unimaginable loss.”
“We are devastated — just devastated,” UNI athletics director Megan Franklin said. “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."
Sutherland, an Iowa City native appeared in four games in 2025. He was also a tri-sport athlete at Iowa City High School, competing in basketball and baseball. Sutherland was named a second-team all-state member during his senior year.
“I love you 88!” City High head coach Mitchell Moore said on X (formerly Twitter). “You lived life with an infectious attitude and a contagious energy. You never met a stranger, everyone was your friend, and you embodied the word teammate.”
Governor Kim Reynolds shared a statement on social media, as well.
“Heartbreaking news. Kevin and I send our deepest condolences to Parker’s family, friends, and teammates,” Reynolds said on X. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the University of Northern Iowa community.“
Members of the Hawkeye football program have also shared their condolences on social media, including special teams coordinator Chris Polizzi and general manager Tyler Barnes. Iowa is scheduled to face UNI on Sept. 19 in Iowa City.
Additionally, multiple schools across the NCAA Division I FCS subdivision have expressed their condolences since the announcement was made Saturday morning.
“The Hawkeye football program sends its deepest condolences to UNI and City High School football communities, family and friends of Sutherland,” Iowa football said in a statement. “Our hearts go out as they cope with this devastating loss.”
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