Yahoo Sports senior NFL writer Terez Paylor died unexpectedly Tuesday at 37 years old.
“We are heartbroken to learn that our friend and teammate Terez Paylor has passed away,” Yahoo Sports editor-in-chief Johnny Ludden said in a statement. “Terez was a dogged, thoughtful reporter to many who knew him in the NFL. To us, he was a friend who always had a warm smile and a kind word. He cared deeply about his family, was passionate about his work and remained intensely proud of his Detroit and Kansas City roots. Our sympathy is with Terez’s family and everyone who knew and cared about him.”
Paylor joined Yahoo Sports in 2018 after 12 years spent at the Kansas City Star. He covered the Kansas City Chiefs for five seasons.
“Hearing the news of Terez’s passing is heart wrenching,” the Chiefs communications team said in a statement. “He was so young and full of life, he always wanted to do right by people. … He was a true professional and a great man with a bright future ahead of him.”
Paylor graduated from Howard University in 2006. He was one of 48 voting members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“While we are shocked and saddened by Terez Paylor’s sudden passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life that touched so many,” Ebony Reed, his fiancee, said in a statement. “Terez was an exceptional journalist whose passion for football made him a respected voice. His legacy will leave an enduring impact on sports journalism, the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs, and their fans.
“More important, Terez was a devoted son, grandson, brother, an adoring fiance, and a wonderful friend to so many. To know him was to love him. He will be dearly missed.”
–Field Level Media