I’ve read so many beautiful stories today about @TerezPaylor. Here’s mine.

I snapped this photo on my very first day at Chiefs camp as an intern under TP at the Kansas City Star. @ChrisFickett assigned me to do a write up on Chiefs RB Charcandrick West (pictured). https://twitter.com/jeff_rosen88/status/1359282327302594561

Terez tweeted my story later that day and @Charcandrick26 RT’d him. I remember geeking out when the happened and texting some of my friends about the opportunity to shadow Terez at work and witness how smooth he was on the job.

That very same weekend, I had a random run-in with then-rookie Patrick Mahomes at a local basketball court. We ran a few pickup games and my first instinct after we parted ways was texting Terez about what just happened. TP He called me immediately and we spoke for 30+ min.

During that phone call, Terez gave me so much advice about being a young minority in this industry and how to maximize interactions like the one I just had. Before we hung up, TP said, “I see the hustle. Imma take care of you, lil bro.”

Throughout that summer, Terez provided me and @Alec_McChesney so many wonderful opportunities. We produced bylines I’ll forever be grateful for. Terez also vouched to the bosses @jeff_rosen88 and @ChrisFickett on our behalf and pleaded with them to keep sending us to Chiefs camp.

My first full-time job after KC was at the DeKalb Daily Chronicle in a hybrid-role as a sports/news reporter. It was invaluable experience to cover crime & court during the week and high school and NIU football on the weekends. Before accepting, TP advised me I’d be better for it

That season, NIU made the MAC Championship game and one of my stories leading up to the game was on a player from Terez’s hometown, Detroit, where the MAC championship is held. He tore that feature up, offered suggestions and made me better. It won an award from @IllinoisPress1

When I started with The Athletic, I moved up to Green Bay to cover the Packers. It was my rookie season in the pros and Terez made it a point to check up on me every single week. Our calls would range from a quick 10 minutes to several hours. He did this while studying his All-22

Literally, every Monday Terez would call and we’d rap about that weekend’s game and the challenges of the job. He truly was a big bro and his smile lit up the world. When shit got tough, he reminded me, “You’re built for this.”

I haven’t stopped crying since I received a text earlier today about Terez’s death. I love you big bro. All-juice team, forever. Keep shining, the Corporate Champ @TerezPaylor