Special merch will honor late UNI football player in game vs. Iowa

When the University of Iowa and the Univeristy of Northern Iowa take to Kinnick Stadium on September 19, the football stadium will be filled with purple and gold — not just because they represent the colors of the schools, but because a special collection of merchandise will recognize a UNI player who died unexpectedly this year.

Parker Sutherland was just 18 when he collapsed during a routine workout on Feb. 12. He died two days later on Valentine’s Day, just 10 days before what would have been his 19th birthday.

Sutherland, a freshman tight end for the UNI Panthers who wore jersey number 89, was born in 2007 and is originally from Iowa City. At Iowa City High, he played football, baseball and basketball and was a two-time All-District and All-Conference athlete.

“He’s one of one, the type of guy you want to build a team with,” Northern Iowa head coach Todd Stepsis said during a news conference following Sutherland’s death. “If I could have 110 Parkers, I would.”

Teammates remember Parker Sutherland’s infectious energy, smile

During the Hawkeye Wave at the end of the first quarter of the UNI vs. Iowa football game at Kinnick, Sutherland will be recognized in addition to the pediatric patients and their families overlooking the field in the Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Iowa Wave merchandise usually dons black and gold, the Hawkeyes’ colors, but a limited-edition release will honor Sutherland in UNI’s purple and gold.

“To commemorate this special day, Iowa Wave has created a limited collection of purple and gold apparel — giving Panther fans a way to support their team, honor Parker, and stand alongside the kids at Stead,” the Iowa Wave website reads.

The merchandise will have the Iowa Wave logo in UNI’s purple and gold. A T-shirt that reads “Field rivals fight together,” a baseball cap with Sutherland’s jersey number, and a hoodie and quarter-zip with the Wave logo will be available for purchase for a limited time.

The collection is available for pre-order through Tuesday, Aug. 25. Orders are expected to arrive the week before the Sept. 19 game. The merchandise can be purchased on the Iowa Wave website.

Proceeds from the collection will be donated to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Sutherland’s memory.

The idea of the collection came from Iowa Wave and after UNI mulled it over with Sutherland’s family, it was given the green light, according to UNI spokesperson Pete Moris.

“It’s such a fabulous tradition between the University of Iowa and the Children’s Hospital with the wave, and to be able to tie those together and have folks be able to honor Parker and help benefit the Children’s Hospital, it really makes sense,” Moris told the Register.

After the first quarter of a home game at Kinnick Stadium, players and fans from both teams turn their attention from the field to the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, overlooking Kinnick Stadium, and wave to pediatric patients and their families watching the game.

The “Hawkeye Wave” tradition began in 2017 and has since become one of the most beloved college sports traditions nationwide.

Each home Iowa football game features a Kid Captain, who chooses what song is played in Kinnick Stadium during the Hawkeye Wave. The captain also receives a commemorative jersey, special recognition from both the hospital and members of the football team and opportunities for behind-the-scenes experiences.

“The top floor of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital has an incredible view of the university’s Kinnick Stadium, which is perfect for the pediatric patients who want to watch the game,” USA TODAY’S 10BEST wrote.

Register reporter Cooper Worth contributed to this article.

Kyle Werner is the breaking news and public safety reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@registermedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Special merch will honor late UNI football player in game vs. Iowa