Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player who became a trailblazer for inclusion and a league ambassador, has passed away after an eight-month fight with an aggressive brain tumor, his family announced on Tuesday.
Career and Coming Out
Collins spent 13 seasons in the NBA, playing for six different teams. He publicly revealed his homosexuality in 2013, near the end of his playing career. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, a brain cancer with a very low survival rate. He was 47 years old.
"Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar," Collins' family said in a statement released through the NBA. "We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly."
Recent Recognition
Just last week, Collins received the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit. He was too ill to attend, and his twin brother, former NBA player Jarron Collins, accepted the award on his behalf.
"I told my brother this before I came here: He's the bravest, strongest man I've ever known," Jarron Collins said while accepting the award.
NBA Commissioner's Tribute
"Jason Collins' impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. "He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others."
"On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason's husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues."
Historic Announcement
Jason Collins revealed his sexual orientation in a first-person article for Sports Illustrated in April 2013. "If I had my way, someone else would have already done this," he wrote at that time. "Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand."
Teammates Remember
Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, a former teammate and coach of Collins, wrote on X: "Jason Collins was a pioneer. He had courage like you've never seen. He was an incredible teammate. And having him in Brooklyn at the start of my coaching journey meant so much. Those who knew him were blessed to call him a friend. You are already missed my brother. Rest in power."
