Yahoo Sports national NFL writer Terez Paylor dies at 37

Feb. 9 (UPI) — Terez Paylor, a national NFL reporter for Yahoo Sports and Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, died unexpectedly Tuesday. He was 37.

Yahoo Sports announced Paylor’s death and shared a statement from his fiancée, Ebony Reed.

“While we are shocked and saddened by Terez Paylor’s sudden passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life that touched so many,” 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 fiancé, and a wonderful friend to so many. To know him was to love him. He will be dearly missed.”

Paylor worked for the Kansas City Star from 2006-18, spending the last five years covering the Kansas City Chiefs for the newspaper. He left the publication to join Yahoo Sports, where he covered the NFL.

Before joining the Star, Paylor graduated from Howard University in 2006. He also covered prep sports, University of Missouri athletics, Arena football and Major League Soccer’s Sporting K.C. for the paper.

“We are heartbroken to learn that our friend and teammate Terez Paylor has passed away,” Johnny Ludden, Yahoo Sports Editor-in-Chief, 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 was one of 48 voting members for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the National Association of Black Journalists.