Terez Paylor, Beloved NFL Reporter, Dies Unexpectedly

National Yahoo Sports NFL writer Terez Paylor died suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 37, according to reports.

The cause of death for the Pro Football Hall of Fame voter has not yet been disclosed. Terez Paylor is survived by his fiancée Ebony Reed and his parents.

Terez Paylor graduated from Howard University in 2006 and began working for the Kansas City Star. He covered Arena football, preps, MLS club Sporting KC and the University of Missouri for the paper. He made a name for himself covering the Kansas City Chiefs from 2013 – 2018 before joining Yahoo to cover the entire league.

Paylor was a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Pro Football Writers of America.

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“While we are shocked and saddened by Terez Paylor’s sudden passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life that touched so many,” Ebony Reed said.

“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.”

“Terez’s genius had nothing to do with turning a phrase,” wrote Kansas City Star Columnist Sam Mellinger.

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”He knew football and the people who loved it. He built and executed a plan that quickly made him one of America’s best football beat writers — an enormously competitive field.”

“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 this 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.”