The basketball community is in mourning after former NBA center Jason Collins was found dead at his Los Angeles home, his family confirming that he had been fighting glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, at the age of 47.
Collins made history in 2013 when he stepped onto an NBA court as the league’s first openly gay player, a moment that earned a cover story in Sports Illustrated and sparked widespread dialogue about inclusion in professional sports.
Born in Los Angeles on December 2, 1978, Collins refined his game at Stanford University before the Houston Rockets selected him in the 2001 draft, and he later helped the New Jersey Nets reach the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.
Though his on‑court statistics — 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game — were modest, his impact extended far beyond the box score, as he became a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a mentor to many young athletes.
After announcing his retirement in November 2014, Collins devoted himself to community outreach, serving as an NBA Cares ambassador, partnering with the Human Rights Campaign, and stumping for Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Legacy and Remembrance
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Collins for his bravery, noting that his trailblazing path paved the way for future generations of players who might otherwise have felt compelled to hide their identities.
Tributes also came from his twin brother, Jarron Collins, longtime coach Mike Montgomery, and former teammates such as Jason Kidd, who recalled Collins’s kindness and unwavering commitment to social change.
Political figures including Chelsea Clinton and Kelley Robinson of the Human Rights Campaign echoed the sentiment, highlighting how Collins’s advocacy transcended sports and resonated with broader movements for equality.
In a fitting tribute, the NBA announced that Collins would receive the Bill Walton Global Champion Award posthumously, honoring his lasting contribution to social progress and the spirit of giving back.