Jason Paul Collins made history in 2013 when he announced that he was gay, becoming the first openly gay male athlete in any of the major North American professional sports leagues.
Born in California and raised in the Los Angeles suburbs, he excelled on the basketball court at Stanford University, where he played alongside his twin brother Jarron before being selected by the New Jersey Nets in 2001.
Over a decade‑long NBA career, Collins earned a reputation for his tenacious defense and reliable rebounding, suiting up for franchises such as the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks while accumulating more than 4,000 points and 3,000 rebounds.
Beyond the Court
After hanging up his sneakers in 2014, Collins transitioned into a role as a league ambassador, joining President Barack Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition and serving as an NBA Cares spokesperson, using his platform to promote health and inclusion.
In May 2025 he married producer Brunson Green, a partnership that marked a new chapter in his personal life, and later that year he faced a devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 glioblastoma.
Collins passed away on May 12, 2026, at the age of 47, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire athletes and allies across the sporting world.