Jason Collins, the groundbreaking NBA star who made history as the first openly gay player in a major North American professional sports league, has passed away at the age of 47 after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
His family confirmed the news on Tuesday, May 12, sharing a heartfelt statement through the NBA: "Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. 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."
Collins' health journey became public in September 2024, when the NBA announced he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. Just three months later, in a powerful ESPN essay, Collins revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma—described as "one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer." His family noted that he fought valiantly until the very end.
A native of Northridge, California, Collins' basketball journey began when the Houston Rockets drafted him in 2001. He made his NBA debut with the New Jersey Nets, immediately making an impact by playing in the NBA Finals at the end of his rookie season. Over his 13-year career, Collins would go on to suit up for the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards—earning respect as a dependable center and locker-room leader wherever he went.
But it was in April 2013 that Collins truly changed the game. In a landmark Sports Illustrated essay, he came out as gay, becoming the first active male athlete in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues to do so. The following February, he signed with the Brooklyn Nets and made history by stepping onto the court as the NBA's first openly gay player. He retired from professional basketball in November 2014.
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Collins shared in a November 2024 ESPN interview how surreal it all was: "When I did come out publicly, it was interesting, it was very rare, but I got back-to-back calls from Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama. President Obama said, 'Congratulations'—and I just couldn't believe it."
After retiring, Collins became a global ambassador for the sport, working tirelessly to make basketball—and athletics as a whole—more inclusive for everyone. His legacy extends far beyond the hardwood, inspiring countless individuals to live authentically and embrace who they are.
Jason Collins will be remembered not just for his historic first, but for his leadership, his kindness, and the lasting impact he made on the NBA and LGBTQ+ representation in sports. His courage opened doors that will never close again.