In Memoriam: Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA player, dies at 47 after brain cancer battle

Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in NBA history, died at 47 after a battle with brain cancer, his family and the NBA announced.

Beloved Jason Collins Dies

Collins was remembered as a trailblazer whose courage reshaped inclusion in professional sports. His family said he died after a “valiant fight” and thanked supporters for their prayers.

“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. “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.”

Jason Collins Death: Cancer Diagnosis Revealed in a Personal Essay

Collins disclosed his cancer diagnosis in a deeply personal essay published in December 2025, writing that doctors had identified a fast‑growing brain tumor earlier that year. He described the shock of the diagnosis, the urgency of treatment and the emotional weight of confronting a disease known for its aggressive course.

What Glioblastoma Is

Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer that spreads quickly through healthy brain tissue. Doctors often call it one of the most challenging cancers to treat because it grows before symptoms appear, according to Mayo Clinic.

Common signs include headaches, seizures, memory loss and changes in speech or personality.

Although surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can slow the disease, there is no cure, and most patients face a difficult prognosis.

Collins’ cancer progressed rapidly in the months after his diagnosis. His family said he pursued multiple treatments and remained hopeful throughout his care. They also noted that he continued his advocacy work even as his health declined.

Jason Collins Was A Trailblazer in Professional Sports

Collins played 13 NBA seasons with the Nets, Celtics, Hawks and Wizards, averaging 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in his career. He helped the New Jersey Nets reach two NBA Finals and in his best season averaged 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds for them in 2004-05. He retired in 2014 after playing with the Brooklyn Nets from February to November 2014.

Before the NBA, Collins played for Stanford University where he made history. There, he made nearly 61% of his shots in his career, which remains a school record. He was an honorable mention selection for The Associated Press’ All-America team in 2001, a few months before the Houston Rockets took him with the 18th pick in that year’s NBA draft.

Coming out

Collins revealed his sexuality in a groundbreaking essay on Sports Illustrated in April 2013.

“I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m Black and I’m gay,” he wrote in the opening of his piece.

His decision to come out while still active shifted the league’s culture and opened conversations about identity and acceptance in men’s sports. After retiring in 2014, he continued working with the NBA through community programs and LGBTQ+ initiatives.

Tributes Across the League

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Collins’ “courage changed the league and inspired countless people.” Teams and former teammates praised his leadership, integrity and willingness to stand alone when it mattered.

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 for him.

Collins’ influence extended far beyond basketball. His family said he “changed lives in ways he never fully understood” and hoped people would remember his strength, generosity and impact on equality in sports.