NBA Trailblazer Jason Collins Passes Away at 47 After Battle with Brain Tumor
Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player and a symbol of inclusion within the league, has passed away at the age of 47 following an eight-month struggle with an aggressive brain tumor, specifically stage 4 glioblastoma. His family announced the tragic news on Tuesday. Over his 13-year career, Collins played for six different franchises, notably the Boston Celtics and the New Jersey Nets. He made headlines in 2013 when he publicly came out as gay, a significant moment during the latter part of his playing days. In a heartfelt statement, Collins’ family expressed their gratitude for the support they received: “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and 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.” Just a week before his passing, Collins was honored with the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit. Due to his illness, his twin brother, former NBA player Jarron Collins, accepted the award on his behalf, stating, “I told my brother this before I came here: he’s the bravest, strongest man I’ve ever known.” Collins’ legacy as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ representation in sports continues to inspire many.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-05-12