Yahoo Sports announced his death in a statement. No cause was given.
Terez Paylor, a national NFL writer for Yahoo Sports and Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, died unexpectedly Tuesday at age 37.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 10, 2021
Ebony Reed, Terez's fiancée, released a statement via @YahooSports.https://t.co/Qt66afT5hk pic.twitter.com/iJut4QDZ3b
Paylor joined the Star after graduating from Howard University in 2006, covering everything from preps to arena football to Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer. He also covered the University of Missouri before taking over the Chiefs beat in 2013, and he would spend the next seven-plus years covering his beloved NFL.
Three years ago, he joined Yahoo Sports as a senior writer to cover the league on a national level.
Terez broke news, devoured film, brought the game to fans with a unique voice, and helped fellow writers along the way.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 10, 2021
Remembering Terez Paylor.
His fiance, Ebony Reed, said in a statement that "while we are shocked and saddened by Terez Paylor's sudden passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life that touched so many." Kansas City Star columnist Sam Mellinger wrote "Terez's genius had nothing to do with turning a phrase. ... He knew football and the people who loved it."
Paylor, who was known for his booming laugh and infectious smile, was one of 48 voting members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He also was a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and National Association of Black Journalists.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
The Hall of Fame Family extends thoughts and prayers to the family of Terez Paylor, a respected member of our Selection Committee. pic.twitter.com/UiXu7weihU
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 10, 2021
https://t.co/Xh2M2tgKof pic.twitter.com/xNbRtAowi5
— Chiefs Communications (@ChiefsPR) February 9, 2021
A statement from the Pro Football Writers of America about our friend and colleague Terez Paylor. pic.twitter.com/W8GHJJaJAx
— Pro Football Writers (@PFWAwriters) February 10, 2021
