In a heartfelt tribute Tuesday night, Detroit Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem honored the life and legacy of Jason Collins, the groundbreaking NBA center who passed away at age 47 after a battle with brain cancer.
Collins made history in 2013 when he became the first active athlete in any of North America's four major professional sports leagues to come out as gay, doing so in a landmark Sports Illustrated cover story. At that pivotal moment, Tellem was not just his agent—he was a trusted advisor and friend.
"Representing Jason Collins was one of the great honors and privileges of my life—not only as an agent, but as a counselor and confidant," Tellem said in a statement. "What made Jason so special were the qualities that defined his remarkable 13-year NBA career, and more importantly, his life: toughness, intelligence, responsibility, selflessness, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to others."
Standing 7 feet tall, Collins carved out a solid NBA career from 2001 to 2014, playing for eight teams including the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets. He was originally selected 18th overall by the Houston Rockets out of Stanford University in the 2001 NBA Draft. Over his career, he averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game—but his impact extended far beyond the box score.
"He was always something bigger than himself, and that guided him through every challenge life placed in his path," Tellem continued. "Helping him navigate his decision to come out as the first openly gay active professional athlete was profoundly meaningful to me. The courage he showed changed lives and transcended our game."
The Nets signed Collins shortly after his groundbreaking announcement, a move that sent a powerful message of inclusion throughout the sports world. His courage opened doors and sparked conversations that continue to shape professional athletics today.
"Jason's legacy stands as a beacon for tolerance, dignity, respect, inclusion, compassion, and understanding," Tellem added. "He left this world better than he found it—and his courage, his humanity, and his example will continue to inspire generations to come. For all of us who were fortunate enough to know him, Jason will never be defined by the moment we lost him, but by the countless lives he lifted, the barriers he broke, and the enduring example he set for how to live with courage, grace, and purpose."