Jason Collins never won an NBA championship. He wasn't an All-Star, and his name won't appear alongside the league's statistical leaders. Yet, his legacy rivals that of LeBron James or Steph Curry—perhaps even surpasses it. Because Collins' impact extends far beyond the basketball court.

There was a time before Jason Collins, when gay male athletes felt they had no choice but to hide their true selves. Young fans searching for someone like them in professional men's sports thought they were alone. Collins changed all of that.

The number of male athletes who have come out while playing in major professional sports remains dishearteningly small. But it is no longer zero. No one will ever have to bear the immense burden of being the first openly gay man in a major league, because Collins had the courage to do it.

That is his legacy. That is his gift to every athlete who follows in his footsteps.

"Jason changed lives through his courage, authenticity, and commitment to helping others feel seen," tennis legend Billie Jean King—the first prominent female professional athlete to come out—said in a social media statement. "His legacy extends far beyond basketball. He helped move sports and society forward with strength."

Collins' family announced Tuesday, May 12, that the former NBA center had died at age 47. He revealed in December that he had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.

On the court, Collins was a dependable big man who played for six teams over 13 seasons. Off the court, he became a pioneer who changed the game—not just basketball, but every game. He showed that authenticity and courage are the most powerful plays an athlete can make.