Tributes have poured in over the last few days after the tragic death of Diogo Jota in a car accident. As a supporter who lives across the pond in America who has mostly seen the team from afar, I feel inadequate to do the same, but I will try.

As a sportswriter, it's easy to be impressed by Jota's play on the field. He had a smooth style that was a joy to watch, and he also found the back of the net with regularity. Jota joined the Reds before the 2020-21 season from Wolves and scored 63 goals to go with 26 assists for the club. Jota's strike against Ipswich last season was the first of the Arne Slot era.

Before joining Liverpool, Jota was a rising star for Wolves, scoring 44 goals and garnering 19 assists. Jota also made his mark for the Portuguese National Team, earning 49 caps and scoring 14 goals

Jota was known as a family man off the field. Each of his trademark goal celebrations paid tribute to his wife and three children. The deepest connection I felt with Diogo, however, was our shared Christian faith. Even though we were an ocean apart, that commonality and bond is strong. 

I was watching TV on a Saturday morning due to the five-hour time difference between North Carolina and England. Diogo scored a late winner, ripping off his shirt in celebration. Underneath his jersey was a black shirt with white lettering that read, “Jesus is Lord”. The camera quickly cut away, and Diogo received a yellow card, but I saw it and let out a loud “Amen”. Not only was I excited that Liverpool had won dramatically, but I saw a fellow brother in Christ taking a stand for his faith. That's something worth shouting about.

I know there are a lot of different beliefs about what happens after you die. I don't want to be overly simplistic, but I believe those who have placed their faith in Jesus go to heaven when they pass away. Based on the message on the shirt and reports from others he was close to, I am confident Diogo Jota was a Christian. 

Since we are both Christians, I will get to meet Diogo in heaven one day. You may not know this about me, but I have Cerebral Palsy, meaning I spend most of my time in a wheelchair. I have never run or kicked a football. Just maybe, the first time I ever get to do that is with Diogo Jota. How cool would that be?

I am sure that the club and the supporters will have many more tributes to Diogo over the coming days, months and years. The Number 20 will never be forgotten. Let me add my voice to theirs.  Rest In Peace, my Brother In Christ. I can't wait to meet you one day in heaven.

#YNWA

Jacob Conley