Jason Collins, the first NBA player to publicly come out as gay, has passed away at the age of 47 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. His family confirmed the news, revealing that Collins had been fighting an aggressive form of the disease since last year.
Collins was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the deadliest types of brain cancer, in December. The tumor was inoperable, and he had sought experimental treatment at a clinic in Singapore. “If I only have 11 to 14 months left, I’d rather try a treatment that might one day become a reference for other patients,” he said in a letter published by ESPN at the time.
He is survived by his husband, Brunson Green, his parents Portia and Paul, and his brother Jarron. “We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle, has died after a brave fight against Glioblastoma,” the family said in a statement. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and inspired everyone who knew him, as well as 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 he received. Our family will miss him deeply.”
Collins made history in 2013 when he announced he was gay in a cover story for Sports Illustrated, becoming the first openly gay athlete in any of the four major U.S. professional sports leagues (NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB). His announcement was widely praised as a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ representation in sports.
Over a 13-season NBA career, Collins played for six teams: the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets. He reached the NBA Finals twice with the Nets (then based in New Jersey) in 2002 and 2003.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute to Collins, saying in a statement: “Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.”