The memory of Jason Collins: the first openly gay player in the NBA
13 may 2026 в 18:13
Jason Collins will be remembered for his contributions to the NBA. Known as the first openly gay player in the league, he also fought against glioblastoma—a aggressive form of cancer—behind the scenes. Unfortunately, he passed away in May 2026.
«With deep sorrow, we announce that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle, has died after a courageous battle with glioblastoma», - his family confirmed in a statement released by the NBA. «Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and became an inspiration to all who knew him, as well as to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the love and prayers shown over the past eight months, as well as for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly».
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his condolences to Jason’s husband, Branson Green, and his family, noting that the late athlete’s «influence and impact» «extended beyond basketball, as he helped make the NBA, WNBA, and the broader sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations».
«Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched many others», - Silver added.
Below you can learn about Jason’s battle with glioblastoma.
As mentioned, Jason passed away after battling stage 4 glioblastoma.
Glioblastoma is a form of brain cancer that progresses rapidly. Being the most common type of malignant brain tumor in adults, the tumor grows and spreads quickly into brain tissue, making it difficult to remove, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for glioblastoma. There are also no known prevention methods for this form of cancer, although it typically occurs in older individuals.
Jason announced his diagnosis in December 2025 in an essay written for ESPN. At that time, he suspected he had only a few weeks or months left to live.
«It happened incredibly quickly», - Jason wrote, listing his «strange symptoms».
«According to my family, within hours my clarity of mind, short-term memory, and understanding disappeared—turning me into the NBA’s version of Dory from 'Finding Nemo,'» the athlete continued. «Over the next few weeks, we learned just how bad it was»
«With deep sorrow, we announce that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle, has died after a courageous battle with glioblastoma», - his family confirmed in a statement released by the NBA. «Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and became an inspiration to all who knew him, as well as to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the love and prayers shown over the past eight months, as well as for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly».
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his condolences to Jason’s husband, Branson Green, and his family, noting that the late athlete’s «influence and impact» «extended beyond basketball, as he helped make the NBA, WNBA, and the broader sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations».
«Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched many others», - Silver added.
Below you can learn about Jason’s battle with glioblastoma.
As mentioned, Jason passed away after battling stage 4 glioblastoma.
Glioblastoma is a form of brain cancer that progresses rapidly. Being the most common type of malignant brain tumor in adults, the tumor grows and spreads quickly into brain tissue, making it difficult to remove, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for glioblastoma. There are also no known prevention methods for this form of cancer, although it typically occurs in older individuals.
Jason announced his diagnosis in December 2025 in an essay written for ESPN. At that time, he suspected he had only a few weeks or months left to live.
«It happened incredibly quickly», - Jason wrote, listing his «strange symptoms».
«According to my family, within hours my clarity of mind, short-term memory, and understanding disappeared—turning me into the NBA’s version of Dory from 'Finding Nemo,'» the athlete continued. «Over the next few weeks, we learned just how bad it was»
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
