Alum Colton Pouncy named 2024 Terez A. Paylor Emerging Writer award winner

“What the,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said jokingly as a reporter's phone alarm went off during a press conference. “What’s your name? I’m not going to forget you…”

Since the moment Campbell assured Colton Pouncy he wouldn’t be forgotten, The Athletic’s Detroit Lions beat writer and SJI alum continues to prove why he is nothing short of unforgettable after officially being named the 2024 Terez A. Paylor Emerging Writer Award winner by the PFWA.

“I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I hopped on this zoom call and saw everyone here. It’s incredible,” Pouncy said. “What an honor.”

As friends, family, and colleagues surprised him on Zoom with the yearly honor recognizing a young NFL writer who embodies the legacy of Paylor through their work ethic, professionalism, dedication to the craft, and commitment to improving diversity in NFL media, he felt deeply touched.

This award was significant to him.

“I remember Terez spoke to my journalism class at Mizzou, my senior year and just the enthusiasm he had for the work that he put in his job and his craft really resonated with me as a young writer,” Pouncy said. “To win this award named after him is super cool.”

Also in attendance was the Sports Journalism Institute’s 32nd class, a program in which the fourth award recipient credits much of his success.

When Matt Guzman, a current Mizzou student and member of this year's SJI class, shouted “M-I-Z,” Pouncy responded with “Z-O-U.”

This is a University of Missouri tradition, but it shows that being named to the SJI program is a special honor.

More importantly, it places you in a family and creates instant connections that last a lifetime.

“Enjoy this experience because honestly SJI was one of the greatest things that happened to me,” Pouncy said. “The comradery with my class, we’re still close and it’s something I cherish to this day. Definitely enjoy this time while you have it.”

Dylan Ackerman will intern at the Seattle Times this summer.

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