Jason Collins Dies at 47 After Brain Cancer Battle:
In September 2025, the National Basketball Association and Collins’ family announced that he was receiving treatment for a brain tumor. Three months later, Collins disclosed in an ESPN article that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma, “one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.” Jason Collins, the first out gay NBA player, passed away on Tuesday, May 12. On Tuesday, May 12, his family made the announcement. His age was forty-seven.
Diagnosis and Medical Update:
In September 2025, Jason Collins‘ family and the National Basketball Association declared that he was receiving treatment for a brain tumor. Collins disclosed his diagnosis of stage 4 glioblastoma, “one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer,” in an ESPN piece three months later.
Family Statement and Tribute:
Jason Collins passed away after “bravely battling” cancer, according to an NBA statement. His family said, “Jason affected people’s lives in unexpected ways, and he was an inspiration to everyone who knew him, as well as those who admired him from a distance. In addition to the wonderful medical care that Jason received from his doctors and nurses over the past eight months, we are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers. Our family will miss him terribly. Our family will carry the pain of his loss forever.
According to his family, Jason had an unanticipated impact on people’s lives and was an inspiration to both those who knew him and those who admired him from a distance.In addition to the wonderful medical treatment Jason received from his doctors and nurses over the past eight months, we are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers. Our family will feel his absence deeply and cherish his memory forever.
NBA Career Journey:
Jason Collins was picked by the Houston Rockets in 2001, marking the start of his NBA career. Collins was born in Northridge, California. At the conclusion of his rookie campaign, he participated in the NBA Finals after making his debut with the New Jersey Nets. In addition, he was a member of the Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies. Collins came out as gay in a 2013 Sports Illustrated piece.
He signed with the New Jersey Nets in February 2014, making his NBA debut. Near the end of his rookie campaign, he even made an appearance in the NBA Finals. The Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards were among the teams he previously played for.
Coming Out and Historic Moment:
In a 2013 Sports Illustrated article, Jason Collins came out as gay. He became the first openly gay player in any of the four major professional sports leagues in North America when he joined with the Brooklyn Nets in February 2014. In November 2014, he announced his retirement from basketball.
Reflections and Public Life After Basketball:
In a November 2025 interview with ESPN, Jason Collins discussed the event, stating, “When I publicly came out as gay, it was a very interesting and unique experience; I received phone calls from Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama.”
President Obama told him, Congratulations—what you did today will positively impact someone you may never even meet in your lifetime,” he added. Collins responded, “I think that’s truly something special, and I would love to have another opportunity to help someone I may never meet in my entire life.”
Awards and Recognition:
Jason Collins became a global basketball ambassador after he retired. Despite being unable to attend due to sickness, he was given the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award last week at the Green Sports Alliance Summit. NBA player Jarron Collins, his twin brother, picked up the award on his behalf.
NBA Statement and Legacy:
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement that “Jason Collins’ impact extended far beyond basketball.” He helped make the NBA, WNBA, and the sports industry as a whole more inviting and inclusive for coming generations.
” In addition to shattering stereotypes, Jason will be remembered for his humanity and kindness, which shaped his life and impacted a great number of people.Silver expressed his sympathies to Collins’ husband, Brunsen, as well as to his family, friends, and colleagues throughout the league. Collins’ parents, Portia and Paul Collins, as well as his husband, Brunsen Green, survive him.
Silver also praised Jason Collins’ leadership and professionalism during his 13-year NBA career and as an NBA Cares ambassador. He will also be remembered for his humanity and kindness, which touched a lot of people. Additionally, Silver sent his sympathies to Brunsen, Collins’ spouse, as well as to his friends, family, and coworkers.
Final Tribute:
” He went on, “Jason Collins will be remembered not only for shattering barriers but also for the humanity and kindness that defined his life and touched so many people.
“Silver as well sent his sincere condolences to Brunsen, Jason Collins’ spouse, as well as to his friends, family, and league colleagues. Collins is survived by his spouse, Brunsen Green, and his parents, Portia and Paul Collins.