Jason Collins, who made history as the first openly gay NBA player, has passed away. He was 47.
According to ESPN, he passed from brain cancer after being diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, which is one of the deadliest forms of the disease.
Seeking hope abroad, he traveled to Singapore last winter for experimental treatments unavailable in the U.S. Collins returned home to enjoy NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles and visited his alma mater, Stanford. But the reprieve was short-lived. Following a recent recurrence of the cancer, Collins passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home, held close by his family.
Collin’s family confirmed his passing in a statement released through 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,” the statement read. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways. And he 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.”
Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, also released a statement paying tribute to Collins.
“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, and his family, friends, and colleagues across our leagues.”
In his 13-year NBA career, Collins played for the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and the Washington Wizards. During his final season, he returned to the Nets after they moved to Brooklyn.
Penning an essay in Sports Illustrated, Collins officially came out in April 2013.
“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,” he wrote. “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.”
After retiring from a 13-season playing career, Jason Collins transitioned into a significant off-court role as an NBA Ambassador. In this capacity, he has focused on community outreach, league representation, and promoting inclusive environments within the sport.
Last week, Jason was honored with the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit. Because he was to be in attendance, his twin brother Jarron accepted the award on his behalf.
“I told my brother this before I came here: He’s the bravest, strongest man I’ve ever known,” Jarron Collins said while accepting the award.
He is survived by his husband, Brunson Green; parents, Portia and Paul Collins; and twin brother, Jarron.