A New Chapter for a Longtime Chiefs Beat Writer
Over the past month, several high-profile beat writers and reporters have made headlines by sharing their reasons for leaving their respective publications. One of the latest to announce his departure is Nate Taylor, a well-known Kansas City Chiefs beat writer who has been with The Athletic since 2018. His announcement came on Wednesday, marking the end of an era for fans of the team.
Taylor’s time with The Athletic was marked by a deep connection with the Chiefs and their fan base. He took to social media to share that Wednesday would be his last day with the publication. “Today is my last day with The Athletic,” he wrote. “The last seven years, as the company’s first Chiefs beat writer, have been the most fulfilling in my career. Being part of The Athletic’s rise and having my name and work become synonymous with the company was truly special.”
He expressed gratitude to the readers who followed his coverage over the years. “I’m incredibly grateful that subscribers have respected, valued, and appreciated the service I provided. Thank you.” Taylor also reflected on the journey he had taken, from the early days of his role to the many milestones achieved along the way.
Building a Community Through Journalism
In the early months of his role, Taylor was joined by Seth Keysor, and the two quickly formed a friendship. Their collaboration led to the creation of a podcast called Time Ours, which featured the unique perspectives of Taylor, Keysor, and Joshua Brisco. With the help of Danielle “Chip” Lehman, they developed a show that was both informative and entertaining.
When Time Ours ended, the support from fans was overwhelming, leading to the launch of another show called Only Weird Games. This continued the tradition of bringing humor and insight into the world of the Chiefs, further strengthening the bond between the writers and their audience.
Throughout his seven-year tenure, Taylor experienced numerous rewarding moments. One of the highlights included sending pieces of confetti from the field to fans across the country and even internationally. These gestures not only brought joy but also inspired fans to donate nearly $15,000 to the Kansas City Ronald McDonald House.
Legacy and Future Plans
Taylor’s work extended beyond just reporting. His writing was featured in multiple books, something he never expected. He also shared personal stories, including his love for his father, Michael Taylor, and how their shared passion for football shaped his career path.
His contributions were recognized at a higher level when his voice was chosen to showcase The Athletic’s value to sports fans through an ad for The Daily when the company partnered with The New York Times. For someone who began his career writing for The Times, this was a dream come true.
Taylor also thanked his editors and senior leadership, acknowledging their support and the impact they had on his work. “A heartfelt thank you to my tremendous editors, Amy Parlapiano, Brendan Roberts & Mike Sansone, and senior leadership (Lisa Wilson, Leon Carter, Steven Ginsberg, David Perpich, & Sarah Goldman). If you’re still reading, just know your support allowed me to do more in this job than I ever thought was possible.”
Industry Trends and Fan Reactions
Taylor’s departure comes shortly after other regional beat writers, such as Adam Jahns of the Chicago Bears and Ben Standig of the Washington Commanders, announced their exits from The Athletic. Standig mentioned that his contract was not renewed, while others did not specify their reasons. This trend could signal a shift in The Athletic’s focus, potentially moving away from regional reporting or scaling back its reach.
Despite the uncertainty, Taylor received widespread praise from Chiefs fans on social media. Many expressed appreciation for his work and wished him success in his future endeavors.
As he steps away from The Athletic, Taylor leaves behind a legacy of dedication, creativity, and community-building. Fans are eager to see what the next chapter holds for one of the most recognizable voices in Chiefs journalism.
