Trailblazing Former NBA Center Jason Collins Dies at 47
The basketball world is mourning the loss of Jason Collins, a pioneer who broke one of the most significant barriers in professional sports. Collins, the first man to come out as openly gay while playing in any of North America’s four major professional sports leagues, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, following a months-long battle with glioblastoma.
He was 47 years old. The NBA confirmed his passing in a statement released on behalf of his family.
“Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” the statement read. “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.”
Collins etched his name into history in 2013 when he published a landmark essay in Sports Illustrated. After contemplating the decision since 2011, he shared his truth with the world, writing: “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.”
The courage of his announcement resonated far beyond the hardwood. Then-President Barack Obama personally called Collins to offer his support, while two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash publicly shared his “maximum respect” for the center’s bravery. This moment of vulnerability transformed Collins into a symbol of inclusivity and progress within the sports community.
A lifelong athlete, Collins first made waves as a high school standout in Southern California alongside his twin brother, Jarron. The duo later starred at Stanford before Jason embarked on a professional career that spanned 13 seasons. From 2001 to 2014, Collins played for six different NBA teams, bringing a steady presence to the paint. Even after retiring from active play, he remained deeply connected to the game, serving as an ambassador for the NBA.
His final chapter was marked by a sudden and difficult health struggle. In September of the previous year, Collins revealed he was undergoing treatment for an advanced brain tumor, noting that his symptoms had appeared rapidly.
Collins is survived by his husband, Brunson Green, and a legacy of courage that opened doors for countless athletes across the globe.
