Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, died at age 47 on Tuesday, May 12, his family revealed in a heartbreaking statement.
The athlete, who played 13 seasons for six different NBA franchises, passed away after a "valiant fight" with stage 4 glioblastoma, "one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer."
Jason revealed his diagnosis in December 2025 after the NBA and his family revealed he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor three months earlier.
Announcing his death in a statement released by the NBA, his family said: "We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma.
"Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar."
His family continued: "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."
© Getty ImagesNBA Commissioner Adam Silver added in a statement: "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.
"He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others."
© Getty ImagesHe concluded: "On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason’s husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues."
Jason made history in 2013 when he publicly revealed he was gay in an essay for Sports Illustrated.
"I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation," he wrote at the time.
© Getty Images"I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, 'I'm different.' If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand."
Jason made his NBA debut with the New Jersey Nets and reached two NBA Finals. Before his retirement in November 2014, he played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards. After he came out, he went on to play in 22 games with the Brooklyn Nets.
© Getty Images"When I did come out publicly, it was interesting, it was very rare, but I got back-to-back calls from Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama," he recalled in a November 2025 interview with ESPN.
"President Obama said, 'Congratulations —what you've done today will have a positive impact on someone you might not ever meet in your lifetime.' I think that's a really cool thing."
He added: "I want to do that again as far as having an opportunity to help someone that I might not ever meet in my lifetime."
