Jason Collins, NBA’s First Openly Gay Player, Dies at 47 After Brain Cancer Battle

Collins’ death marks the loss of a pioneering figure in professional sports. He announced his diagnosis of stage‑4 glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, in December and passed away this week.

In April 2013, Collins wrote a Sports Illustrated essay stating, “I’m a 34‑year‑old black gay NBA center,” becoming the first active athlete in North America’s four major pro leagues to come out publicly. The declaration broke a long‑standing silence around LGBTQ+ identities in elite sports and sparked widespread media coverage, including remarks from President Obama and NBA legends.

Collins played six NBA seasons for teams including the Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets, and Boston Celtics. He was a first‑round draft pick in 2001, a two‑time NBA Finals participant, and an All‑Pac‑10 player at Stanford. His on‑court résumé was solid, but his off‑court impact reshaped the league’s cultural landscape.

The NBA released a statement from Collins’ family, describing him as a “beloved husband, son, brother and uncle” who died after a “valiant fight with glioblastoma.” The family thanked medical staff and noted the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months.

Collins’ 2013 announcement gave visibility to LGBTQ+ athletes and paved the way for later disclosures by NFL players Michael Sam and Carl Nassib. His advocacy continued after retirement; he spoke publicly about mental health, inclusion, and the importance of authenticity. In a 2023 interview, he credited his grandmother’s advice to build a positive reputation, a principle he applied on and off the court.

The broader sports community has reflected on Collins’ legacy. Analysts note that his courage contributed to a measurable increase in LGBTQ+ representation in professional leagues, with several players now openly identifying as gay or bisexual. Surveys show a modest rise in acceptance among fans and teammates since 2013, suggesting Collins’ influence extends beyond anecdotal praise.

Collins’ death underscores the ongoing challenge of brain cancer, which claims roughly 18,000 lives annually in the United States. Glioblastoma’s median survival is 15 months, highlighting the urgency of research funding.

What to watch next: the NBA’s upcoming diversity initiatives and any new funding commitments for glioblastoma research, as the league honors Collins’ memory through advocacy and charitable programs.