Jason Collins, the former NBA center who made history as the first openly gay player across America’s four major professional sports leagues, has died at the age of 47 after months of treatment for glioblastoma, as per a report.
Jason Collins Death: How Did Former NBA Center Jason Collins Die at 47
His death was announced by the NBA in a statement issued on behalf of his family. In it, they reflected on the reach of his life beyond basketball, saying, “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” adding, “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,” as quoted by NBC News report.
Jason Collins First Openly Gay NBA Player in Sports HistoryCollins had shared his story publicly in 2013 through an essay in Sports Illustrated, after years of thinking about it since 2011. In his own words, he had written, “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.”
The response to his announcement came from across sports and beyond. Then-President Barack Obama reached out to express his support, while NBA star Steve Nash described his reaction as “maximum respect.”
Jason Collins Brother Jarron Collins and Early Life Story
Before that moment, Collins had already built a long basketball career. He was a standout in high school in Southern California alongside his twin brother Jarron, and the two later played together at Stanford, as per the NBC News report. He went on to play in the NBA from 2001 to 2014, representing eight teams over 13 seasons.
After retiring, he stayed connected to the league as an ambassador. In September, he announced he was undergoing treatment for an advanced brain tumor.
NBA Statement on Jason Collins Death and Tribute from Adam Silver
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Collins’ influence reached far beyond the game, highlighting his role in making the NBA, WNBA, and wider sports community more inclusive and welcoming. He also noted Collins’ leadership and professionalism throughout his career and his work as an NBA Cares Ambassador, saying he would be remembered both for breaking barriers and for the kindness and humanity he showed throughout his life, as quoted by NBC News.
Silver extended condolences to Collins’ husband, Brunson, and to his family, friends, and colleagues across the leagues.
FAQs
Who was Jason Collins?He was an NBA center and the first openly gay athlete in America’s four major professional sports leagues.
How did Jason Collins die?
He died after months of treatment for glioblastoma, as per the report.
