The Premier League's US Instagram account, @PLinUSA, is highlighting the passionate, diverse PL fandom from coast to coast in the US, in the series Premier League passion in the US: Fans' stories.
Meet JT, a social activist and avid runner in Los Angeles, whose love of Liverpool has touched every area of his life.
"It all started in April of 2016 when I was in London to run the London Marathon. I had some free time to visit one of my best friends, and we wanted to check out a Premier League match. I didn't have a club to support at the time, but was interested. Unfortunately, there weren't any matches we could go to because of my pre-race schedule.
"Fast-forward to July of that same year when I was back in Los Angeles, and both Liverpool and Chelsea were playing a friendly at the Rose Bowl. I got tickets but didn't know anything about either team – so I called my friend and asked who I should cheer for.
"Without hesitation, he told me that Liverpool was for me. So I bought a shirt and went to the game by myself – and I've been obsessed with the club ever since.
"The club motto and song, 'You'll Never Walk Alone' is so special to me. I sing it at the top of my lungs every chance I get.
"It really speaks to my heart because I am very active in standing up and against so much of the systemic social injustice that's prevalent in our world today.
"I have experienced social injustice personally, and it was my fellow Reds – the supporter clubs here in Pasadena and Los Angeles – that were the ones who called me, checked in and were truly there for me whenever I needed them.
"I am a black man and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. My Liverpool family has embraced me and loves me. It's all love. Nothing but love. And I love them all. No one is walking alone.
"My support group is made up of the same people that I watch Premier League with and they're the ones that I march and protest against injustice with. In every way, we live 'You’ll Never Walk Alone.'
"And for me, Liverpool isn't just 'Walking' together, but also my running. When I was younger, when I lived in North Carolina, I started running as a release.
"I started with cross-country, and then 5km and 10km before evolving into half-marathons and I ran my first full marathon in 2012 in Los Angeles. It's one of the constants in my life that has been through it all with me – through running, I found Liverpool, and I've found a new family."
