Jason Collins, a former New Jersey and Brooklyn Nets center and the first openly gay active player in major U.S. men’s professional sports, has died at 47 after a battle with stage 4 glioblastoma, his family confirmed Tuesday.
The 13-year NBA veteran died peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, according to a statement released following initial reports by ESPN and a social media post from NBA insider Shams Charania.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” the family said in a statement to ESPN. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar.”
Jason Collins Cause of Death: Stage 4 Glioblastoma
Collins had publicly revealed late last year that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of brain cancer. Doctors initially told him he could have as little as six weeks to three months without treatment.
Determined to fight, Collins pursued multiple treatment options, including experimental therapies in Singapore not yet approved in the United States. The treatments initially showed promise, allowing him to return home and attend public events, including NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.
However, the cancer returned recently and progressed rapidly.
Glioblastoma is known for its aggressive growth within the brain, often making surgical removal difficult or impossible. Collins described his tumor as “multiforme,” spreading across both hemispheres and behaving like a “Hydra,” growing back even as treatments attempted to contain it.
Jason Collins NBA Career and Legacy
Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA after being selected 18th overall in the 2001 draft out of Stanford. He spent time with the New Jersey Nets — later the Brooklyn Nets — as well as the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.
He reached back-to-back NBA Finals with the Nets in 2002 and 2003, playing alongside Jason Kidd on one of the franchise’s most successful teams.
Though never a high-volume scorer, Collins built his career on defense, physicality and leadership, earning respect across the league.
Ex-Nets Center Made History in 2013
Collins’ most lasting impact came off the court.
In April 2013, he publicly came out as gay in a Sports Illustrated cover story, becoming the first openly gay active player in any of North America’s four major professional sports leagues.
“When I chose to come out, there was no scandal,” Collins later said. “This was just me being honest about who I am.”
His announcement was widely praised and marked a historic moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports. Collins later received calls of support from prominent figures, including former President Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey.
He returned to the NBA later that season, signing with the Brooklyn Nets and appearing in 22 games before retiring in 2014.
Jason Collins Remembered as Pioneer and Leader
Following his retirement, Collins remained involved in the NBA as a global ambassador and advocate for inclusion.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and several teams paid tribute, recognizing Collins not only for his playing career but for his courage and lasting impact on the sport.
Collins is survived by his husband, Brunson Green, his parents, and his twin brother, Jarron Collins, an NBA coach.
His family said his legacy extends far beyond basketball.
“Jason’s strength, compassion and courage will continue to inspire generations,” the statement read.
Former Nets Center Jason Collins’ Cause of Death Details Emerge