Coach football coach fights tears, honoring late Parker Sutherland. 😢🙏🏽

UNI Panthers head coach Todd Stepsis fought back tears while paying tribute to Parker Sutherland, the 18-year-old freshman tight end who collapsed during a workout and died two days later. Stepsis described Sutherland as a “ray of light” and a “one of one” athlete, emphasizing the profound impact he had on teammates and the program in a short time. The coach said the team is leaning on each other through the grief, with players gathering at his house and wearing shirts that read “Panther Strength.”

Sutherland’s death follows a difficult 2025 season for UNI, Stepsis’ first year as head coach after Mark Farley’s retirement. The Panthers finished 3-9, but displayed early promise with wins over Butler and Eastern Washington. In planning for 2026, UNI has introduced roughly 34 new players, including 11 transfers, as it rebuilds under Stepsis. Notable newcomers include Kai Black (TE) from Iowa State, Andrew Price (LB) from South Dakota State, and Xavier Terrell (RB) from Florida Atlantic.

The program announced a celebration of Sutherland’s life in his hometown of Iowa City on February 22, with the Panthers expected to attend to honor his memory. On the field, UNI’s schedule begins with a road game at Iowa State on September 5, followed by a home matchup with Drake. The team faces a challenging September stretch, including a road trip to Iowa City to face the Hawkeyes, making a winning season a meaningful but difficult milestone.

Sutherland’s passing has prompted ongoing reflection within the UNI program, with Stepsis vowing to continue honoring his memory and the positive influence he had on the locker room. The Panthers’ focus remains on supporting one another as they navigate this loss while preparing for the upcoming season.