Northern Iowa football coach Todd Stepsis on the death of freshman Parker Sutherland

Sports

February 16th, 2026 by Ric Hanson

Northern Iowa football coach Todd Stepsis says the Panther program is devastated by the death of freshman Parker Sutherland. The native of Iowa City died on Saturday, two days after collapsing during an off season workout.

Stepsis says Sutherland collapsed following a warmup session prior to Thursday’s workout.

Stepsis says they will look at ways to honor Sutherland during the upcoming season.