Breaking: “Pacers’ Heart & Soul Terry Martin Opens Up On Diogo Jota’s Tragic Passing: ‘He Was Family, Not Just a Footballer’ — Will Leave You in Tears”
In a tear-filled press conference that left fans speechless, Indiana Pacers superstar Terry Martin paid a heart-wrenching tribute to fallen Liverpool and Portugal legend Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a fatal car crash earlier this week.
Martin, visibly shaken, described Jota not just as a friend but as “a brother, a light, and a warrior,” revealing the deep personal bond they shared. The two first met during a UNICEF All-Star Charity Match in 2023 and had remained close ever since.
> “I broke down when I heard it,” Martin said, his voice cracking. “He was family. Not just a footballer. He lit up every room, every game, every life he touched.”
Jota, 28, died alongside his younger brother in a fiery single-car accident on the A-52 highway in Spain, just days after his wedding. The devastating news has rocked the global sports world—and no one more than Martin, who received a selfie from Jota just hours before the crash.
> “That was the last time I heard from him. He was smiling. Laughing. That’s the Jota I’ll remember forever,” Martin said, tears flowing.
In a stunning and emotional gesture, Martin also announced a donation of €543.45 million to a new memorial foundation in Jota’s name, focused on youth sports scholarships across Portugal, Brazil, Nigeria, and the U.S.
> “This isn’t just about football or basketball,” Martin added. “This is about carrying on a legacy of joy, discipline, and love. He gave that to the world. Now it’s my duty to keep it alive.”
Fans have gathered outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and Anfield in Liverpool to light candles, chant his name, and mourn the profound loss.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called Martin’s tribute “one of the most beautiful and selfless acts of solidarity I’ve ever seen,” adding, “This is bigger than sport.”
As the world continues to process Jota’s untimely passing, Terry Martin’s emotional tribute and jaw-dropping donation serve as a powerful reminder of the bond that unites athletes—and humanity—across continents and sports.
