Northern Iowa announced tight end Parker Sutherland passed away Saturday morning.
Sutherland is a freshman in 2025 and appeared in four games. He is a native of Iowa City, Iowa.
“I am heartbroken,” Northern Iowa coach Todd Stepsis said in a statement. “No words can express my condolences. [parents] Adam, Jill and [sister] Georgia. Parker embodies everything we are looking for in a UNI Football Panther. His talent and potential excite us every day, but it doesn’t compare to the person he is and the type of teammates he has. His character, humility, tenacity and genuine love for others are what makes a champion. While I am sad that our time together was short, we will celebrate the rest of his life as he brought light to our football team. “
A spokesman for Northern Iowa said in a statement to The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier on Thursday, “Cedar Falls Fire and Rescue received a call to the UNI Athletic Facility on Thursday. No further details can be released at this time.”
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On Saturday morning, CBS 2 in Cedar Rapids reported that “Multiple sources told The Iowa Press that Sutherland collapsed during a workout that day.”
Sutherland played in games against Utah Tech, North Dakota State, Illinois State and Murray State. He was a second-team all-state selection in 2024 as a senior at Iowa City High School.
“The passing of Parker Sutherland is a heartbreaking day for our Panther athletic family,” said athletic director Megan Franklin. “He jumped at the chance to play for the Panther football team and represent the university through sports. We are shocked – just shocked. Fortunately, we have a Panther family who will hold the Sutherland family, our football team and our athletic staff close together as we grieve.”