Jason Collins, who became the first active athlete in one of the four major North American sports leagues to come out as gay in 2013, died of glioblastoma, his family said Tuesday. He was 47.
Collins was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2025, and he revealed in December that he was fighting Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” Collins’ family said in a statement released by the NBA Tuesday.
“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 had been in a relationship with film producer Brunson Green since 2014; they were married in May 2025.
He also served as an ambassador for NBA Cares, the league’s social responsibility arm, in his post-playing career.
“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,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “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, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues.”
A 7-foot center, Collins played collegiately at Stanford and was a first-round draft pick (18th overall) by the Houston Rockets in 2001, but he was traded to the New Jersey Nets on draft night.
Collins spent the first eight of his 13 NBA seasons with the Nets and had limited stays with the Memphis Grizzlies (2008), Minnesota Timberwolves (2008-09), Atlanta Hawks (2009-12), Boston Celtics (2012-13) and Washington Wizards (2013).
After the 2012-13 season concluded, Collins revealed he was gay in a first-person Sports Illustrated story. He received widespread praise and encouragement in the public sphere and from the likes of NBA star Kobe Bryant. But Collins’ contract was up and free agency came and went without him signing with a team.
It wasn’t until February 2014 that Collins officially became the first openly gay man to play in one of the four major leagues, when the now-Brooklyn Nets called him to offer a 10-day contract. Their head coach at the time was Jason Kidd, a former teammate of Collins’ in New Jersey.
Collins went on to earn a second 10-day contract with the Nets before they signed him for the remainder of the season. He appeared in 22 games for Brooklyn that season before retiring.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jason Collins,” the Nets said in a statement in part. “… 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.”
In 735 career games (477 starts) across six franchises, Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. His best campaign was 2004-05 for New Jersey, when he averaged career highs of 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in 80 games, all starts.
“Jason Collins’ impact on the Atlanta Hawks organization reached far beyond basketball,” the Hawks said in a statement. “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 National Basketball Players Association said in a statement that Collins “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.”
–Field Level Media
