About Jason Collins: The NBA’s First Openly Gay Active Player Dies at 47
Jason Collins, the trailblazing former NBA center who made history as the first active NBA player to publicly come out as gay, has died at age 47. He leaves behind a legacy that extended far beyond basketball. His courage reshaped conversations about identity, inclusion and acceptance in professional sports, inspiring athletes around the world to live openly and authentically.
“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 wrote in a statement obtained by CBS Sports. “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.”
Born Dec. 2, 1978, Collins emerged as a standout basketball talent at his Los Angeles high school alongside his twin brother, Jarron Collins. The brothers later played together at Stanford University, where Collins developed a reputation as a hard-nosed defender and a team player.
Collins was selected 18th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets before being traded to the New Jersey Nets. Over a 13-year NBA career, he played for several franchises, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets. Known more for defense, rebounding and leadership than scoring, Collins earned the respect of teammates and coaches throughout the league.
But it was his groundbreaking announcement in 2013 that cemented his place in history. In a first-person essay published by Sports Illustrated, Collins wrote the now-famous words: “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.” The revelation marked a watershed moment in American sports culture, challenging longstanding stigmas surrounding LGBTQ+ athletes, especially in men’s sports.
Support poured in from across the sports world, including from then-President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, fellow athletes and countless fans. Months later, Collins signed with the Brooklyn Nets, officially becoming the first openly gay active player in the NBA.
Following his retirement in 2014, Collins remained an advocate for LGBTQ inclusion and social justice initiatives. He frequently spoke about equality, representation and the importance of visibility for young people struggling with their identity.
Collins was diagnosed with a brain tumor just last year, his family shared. “As an athlete you learn not to panic in moments like this,” Collins said then. “These are the cards I’ve been dealt. To me it’s like, ‘Shut up and go play against Shaq.’ You want the challenge? This is the challenge. And there is no bigger challenge in basketball than going up against prime Shaquille O’Neal, and I’ve done that.”
Just last week, Collins was awarded the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit. According to reports, he was too ill to attend, so his brother accepted on his behalf.
“I told my brother this before I came here: He’s the bravest, strongest man I’ve ever known,” Jarron said of his twin brother while accepting the award.
Collins’ impact transcended box scores and stat sheets. He changed the landscape of professional sports by proving that authenticity and athletic excellence could coexist. His story remains a landmark chapter in both NBA and LGBTQ+ history.
