TL;DR
- Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA player, dies at 47.
- He battled brain cancer, leaving a legacy for LGBTQ+ athletes.
- Collins came out while still playing in 2013.
- He married film producer Brunson Green in May 2025.
- Tributes pour in from the sports community.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the NBA, has passed away at the age of 47 after a fierce battle with brain cancer. His family revealed the tragic news, stating, “We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma.” This devastating loss resonates deeply within the LGBTQ+ community and the world of sports, where Collins was a true trailblazer.
Collins, who made history in 2013 by coming out as gay while still active in the NBA, was not just a player; he was a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless LGBTQ+ athletes. His family expressed gratitude for the love and support they received during his illness, emphasizing the impact Collins had on so many lives. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” they said.
Diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, Collins fought valiantly against the disease. He had shared his journey in an essay for ESPN, detailing the aggressive nature of his cancer and his determination to fight it. Despite undergoing experimental treatments in Singapore, his health declined, leading to his passing at home in Florida, surrounded by loved ones.
Collins’ twin brother, Jarron, who accepted the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award on his behalf just a week before his death, described him as “the bravest, strongest man I’ve ever known.” This sentiment echoes the feelings of many who admired Collins not just for his athletic prowess but for his courage in being true to himself.
Throughout his career, Collins played for several teams including the Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics, and Wizards before retiring in 2014. His legacy as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights in sports cannot be overstated. Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, honored Collins as “a giant” in the LGBTQ+ movement, stating, “To call Jason Collins a groundbreaking figure for our community is simply inadequate. We truly lost a giant today.” Robinson highlighted how Collins’ bravery changed the conversation around LGBTQ+ representation in sports.
Collins married film producer Brunson Green in May 2025, just months before his health complications began. Their love story is a testament to the power of being true to oneself and finding love in the process. Collins had once said, “Your life is so much better when you just show up as your true self, unafraid to be your true self, in public or private. This is me. This is what I’m dealing with.” His words resonate now more than ever, as we remember a man who not only played the game but changed it forever.
As tributes continue to pour in from the sports community and beyond, it’s clear that Jason Collins’ impact will be felt for generations to come. His legacy as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ athletes will inspire many to come out and live their truth, just as he did. For more on his incredible journey and the mark he left on sports, check out our previous coverage on Jason Collins.