The sports world is mourning the passing of Jason Collins, the first openly gay athlete to play in one of the four major American professional sports leagues. Collins died on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the age of 47.
Health Battle and Passing
His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his home following an eight-month battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Diagnosis: Collins first noticed symptoms in August 2025 and publicly shared his diagnosis later that year.
Treatment: He sought advanced medical care, including traveling to Singapore for experimental treatments, which allowed him to spend quality time with his family and attend NBA events earlier in 2026.
Family Statement: His family released a statement through the NBA, saying, “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar.”
NBA Career and Impact
Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA (2001–2014) as a defensive-minded center.
Teams: He had significant stints with the New Jersey Nets, where he helped the team reach two consecutive NBA Finals, and also played for the Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics, and Wizards.
Breaking Barriers: In 2013, he made history by coming out in a cover story for Sports Illustrated. He later became the first openly gay athlete to play in an NBA game when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014.
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Ambassador Role: After retiring, he served as an NBA Cares Ambassador, focusing on inclusivity and social responsibility within the league.
Tributes
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Collins for his “outstanding leadership and professionalism,” noting that his influence extended far beyond the basketball court. He was recently honored with the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award; his twin brother and fellow former NBA player, Jarron Collins, accepted the award on his behalf just last week.
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He is survived by his husband, Brunson Green, his twin brother Jarron, and his parents.
