Former NBA player and NBA Cares Ambassador Jason Collins has died at the age of 47 following a battle with glioblastoma, according to official statements released by the NBA and his family on Tuesday.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the news in a statement, praising Collins for the lasting impact he made both on and off the basketball court.
“Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations,” Silver said. “He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador.”
Former NBA Player and Trailblazer Jason Collins Dies at 47 After Battle With Glioblastoma
Collins’ family also released a statement describing his fight against the aggressive form of brain cancer as “valiant.”
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” the statement read. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar.”
Born in 1978, Collins played college basketball at Stanford University alongside his twin brother, Jarron Collins. The two helped elevate Stanford into one of the nation’s top basketball programs before Jason entered the NBA Draft in 2001.
Collins was selected 18th overall in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets before his rights were traded to the New Jersey Nets. During his 13-year NBA career, he also played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets.
Known for his defense, rebounding, and veteran leadership, Collins earned respect throughout the league as a reliable teammate and strong locker-room presence.
In 2013, Collins made history when he publicly came out as gay in a first-person essay published by Sports Illustrated. He became the first openly gay active NBA player and the first openly gay active athlete in any of the four major North American men’s professional sports leagues.
His announcement was widely praised and became a landmark moment for inclusivity in professional sports. Collins later returned to the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets, further cementing his place in league history.
Jason Collins is remembered not only for his contributions to basketball, but also for the courage, compassion, and leadership that inspired athletes and fans around the world.
