What Happened to Jason Paul Collins?
Jason Collins was an American professional basketball player who made history in 2013 by becoming the first active male athlete in a major North American professional sports league to publicly come out as gay. After a 13-season NBA career, he became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Collins passed away on May 12, 2026, at the age of 47, after a battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma, and was posthumously honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage in July 2026.
Quick Answer
Jason Collins, the trailblazing NBA player who became the first openly gay active male athlete in a major North American professional sports league, passed away on May 12, 2026, at the age of 47, following a battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma. His death came after he married his husband, Brunson Green, in May 2025 and sought experimental treatments for his aggressive brain cancer. Collins was posthumously recognized with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the 2026 ESPY Awards for his profound impact on LGBTQ+ visibility in sports.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in Northridge, California
Jason Paul Collins was born in Northridge, California, alongside his twin brother, Jarron Collins.
Drafted into the NBA
Collins was selected 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2001 NBA draft, then traded to the New Jersey Nets on draft night.
First NBA Finals Appearance
As a rookie with the New Jersey Nets, Collins played a key role in the team reaching their first-ever NBA Finals.
Comes Out as Gay
Collins publicly announced he was gay in a Sports Illustrated article, becoming the first active male athlete in a major North American professional team sport to do so.
Returns to NBA with Brooklyn Nets
Collins signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets, making him the first openly gay athlete to play in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues.
Announces Retirement from NBA
After 13 seasons, Collins announced his retirement from professional basketball.
Becomes NBA Cares Ambassador and Presidential Council Member
Following retirement, Collins continued his advocacy work, serving as an NBA Cares Ambassador and a member of President Obama's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.
Marries Brunson Green
Jason Collins married his long-term partner, film producer Brunson Green.
Family Announces Brain Tumor Treatment
The NBA released a statement on behalf of Collins' family, announcing he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.
Reveals Stage 4 Glioblastoma Diagnosis
Collins publicly disclosed he was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma and was seeking experimental treatment in Singapore.
Passes Away at Age 47
Jason Collins died at his home in Los Angeles after a valiant battle with glioblastoma.
Posthumously Receives Arthur Ashe Award for Courage
Collins was honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the 2026 ESPY Awards, with his husband, Brunson Green, accepting the award.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Jason Paul Collins was born on December 2, 1978, and carved out a 13-season career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a center. Drafted 18th overall in 2001 by the Houston Rockets, he was quickly traded to the New Jersey Nets, where he played a significant role in their back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003. Known for his defensive prowess and team-first mentality, Collins played for several other teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards.
The pivotal moment in Collins' life and career occurred on April 29, 2013, when he publicly came out as gay in a first-person essay for Sports Illustrated. This made him the first active male athlete in any of the four major North American professional team sports (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL) to do so. His decision was motivated in part by his former college roommate, Joe Kennedy, marching in a gay pride parade, and his desire to add his voice to the LGBTQ+ community. The announcement garnered widespread support, including from then-President Barack Obama, and his jersey, notably number 98 in honor of Matthew Shepard, became the top-selling item on the NBA's online store, with proceeds benefiting LGBTQ+ organizations.
After becoming a free agent, Collins signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets in February 2014, officially breaking the on-court barrier for openly gay athletes in major sports. His return to play was described as 'remarkably routine,' demonstrating to front offices that an openly gay player would not disrupt a locker room. He played the remainder of the 2013-2014 season with the Nets before announcing his retirement from professional basketball in November 2014.
Following his retirement, Collins remained a prominent advocate for inclusion and diversity in sports. He served as an NBA Cares Ambassador and was a member of President Barack Obama's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. In May 2025, Collins married his long-term partner, film producer Brunson Green.
In September 2025, Collins' family announced he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. In December 2025, he revealed he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, and was pursuing experimental treatments in Singapore. Despite his valiant fight and efforts to find innovative therapies, Jason Collins died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on May 12, 2026, at the age of 47. His passing prompted tributes from across the sports world, recognizing his immense courage and lasting legacy. On July 15, 2026, Collins was posthumously honored with the prestigious Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPY Awards, with his husband, Brunson Green, speaking about his impact.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Jason Paul Collins made different choices?