Prayers: NBA veteran Jason Collins has passed away at 47 after battling Stage 4 glioblastoma — a highly aggressive and fast-growing brain cancer. Collins, who passed on Tuesday (May 12), was a trailblazer in the league, becoming the first active openly gay player. Six years before Collins’ historic feat, former NBA player John Amaechi came out — but it was four years after his career had ended.
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Jason Collins Makes History While Coming Out As First Active Openly Gay NBA Player
In 2013, he came out as gay — becoming the first publicly gay athlete to play in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues. Collins came out in a lengthy open letter in Sports Illustrated.
His essay, which appeared on SI’s website on April 29, 2013, was also published in the May 6, 2013 issue of the magazine. In the article, Collins proudly claimed:
“I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay. I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I’m happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn’t the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, ‘I’m different.’ If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”
Collins — whose “self-discovery’ arrived after a long journey — came out as gay shortly after two other athletes did. This included soccer player Robbie Rogers and WNBA star Britney Griner. Griner had just been selected No. 1 overall in the draft.
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NBA Pays Tribute To Jason Collins After Passing From Stage 4 Brain Cancer At 47
After coming out, Collins played for one more NBA season with the Nets. Before retiring in 2014, Collins played at center for 13 years in the NBA. He was first drafted as the No. 18 overall pick in 2001.
Collins, who became the NBA Cares Ambassador, played with six teams. Most notably, he played with the New Jersey Nets — where he helped reach the 2002 and 2003 NBA Finals. He also played for the team after moving to Brooklyn (Brooklyn Nets). Plus, Collins played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards. His efforts on and off the court are largely applauded.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement on Collins’ passing:
“Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations. He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others. On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason’s husband, Brunson [Green], and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues.”
Collins family also released a statement to the NBA:
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma. 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.”
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The Brooklyn Nets wrote:
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jason Collins. Jason spent eight seasons in a Nets uniform, helping define an era of our franchise and playing a vital role on our back-to-back Eastern Conference championship teams in 2002 and 2003. He was a constant in our locker room – selfless, tough, and deeply respected by teammates, coaches, and staff alike. Those who were around Jason every day knew him not just as a competitor, but as a genuinely kind, thoughtful person who brought people together. His impact extended far beyond the court, and his courage and authenticity helped move the game – and the world – forward. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Jason will always be a part of the Nets family, and he will be deeply missed.”
The Atlanta Hawks wrote:
“Jason Collins’ impact on the Atlanta Hawks organization reached far beyond basketball. During his time in Atlanta, he was a consummate professional, leader and winner. As a teammate, he earned respect through his humility, quiet strength and integrity. His courage and authenticity broke barriers across professional sports and will be part of his lasting legacy. We are heartbroken by Jason’s passing, and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all of those who were impacted by his life.”
The Washington Wizards wrote, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Wizard Jason Collins following his battle with glioblastoma, and are sending our condolences to his family & loved ones.”
The Boston Celtics wrote, “Jason Collins was a beloved member of the Celtics family. He was a pioneer in the NBA and professional sports, and we are grateful to have felt his impact in Boston. May he rest in peace.”
The NBA Players Association (NBPA) also released a statement:
“The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) deeply mourns the passing of our brother, Jason Collins. A beloved teammate across 13 NBA seasons, he was universally respected for his on-court toughness and off-court kindness. In 2013, Jason changed sports forever by becoming the first active male athlete in a major North American team sport to publicly come out. His courage shattered barriers, making him a global beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community. He worked relentlessly to foster inclusion in locker rooms, schools, and communities, challenging us all to be more empathetic. The NBPA is proud to call Jason one of our own. Today, we mourn a devastating loss while celebrating a trailblazer whose legacy of bravery and inclusion will resonate for generations. Our deepest condolences go out to Jason’s husband, Brunson Green; his brother, Jarron Collins; and all those who loved and were inspired by him.”
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