College football program announces passing of 18-year-old freshman
By David Wasson
Published:
The Northern Iowa football program is mourning the death of freshman Parker Sutherland, who passed away Saturday morning according to a release by the school. He was 18 years old.
Sutherland, an Iowa City, Iowa, native, played in four games as a tight end for the Panthers in 2025. The 6-foot-6, 221-pounder did not record a reception, and appeared on special teams against Utah Tech, North Dakota, Illinois State and Murray State.
Sutherland was a second-team all-state performer as a senior at Iowa City High School where he also excelled in basketball and baseball. He is survived by his parents Adam and Jill Sutherland and a sister, Georgia.
“I’m heartbroken,” Northern Iowa coach Todd Stepsis said in the 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 Des Moines Register and The New York Times reported that Cedar Falls Fire and Rescue was previously called to a university athletics facility on Thursday. First responders went to the scene after receiving an “unconscious/fainting (non-trauma)” report. It is unclear whether Sutherland was involved in that incident.
The school added that “support services” would be available to Northern Iowa students, faculty and staff in the wake of Sutherland’s death.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
