Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the NBA, has died
13 may 2026 в 16:28
Jason Collins, the former NBA center who became an iconic figure in professional sports, passed away on May 12, 2026, at the age of 47 after battling stage 4 glioblastoma. Collins first revealed his diagnosis in December 2025, sharing that he had undergone surgery and was receiving treatment after doctors discovered a tumor earlier that same year.
Although he spent over a decade in the NBA, playing for teams such as the New Jersey Nets, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards, Collins became widely known in 2013 when he publicly came out as gay while still an active player. Following his death, numerous tributes emerged from the NBA and the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting both his basketball career and the impact he had beyond the game.
Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA, representing teams including the New Jersey Nets, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Wizards. In 2013, he became the first openly gay player in a major North American men’s professional sports league, publicly coming out in a cover story for Sports Illustrated. Later, Collins served as an ambassador for NBA Cares and remained an influential figure in both the sports and LGBTQ+ communities.
After Collins' death, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reflected on the athlete’s legacy in his statement. «His influence and impact went far beyond basketball, as he helped make the NBA, WNBA, and the broader sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations», - Silver said. «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».
Collins passed away on May 12, 2026, at the age of 47 after battling stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Yes, Collins was married to film producer Branson Greene. The couple wed in May 2025 in Austin, Texas, after more than a decade of living together. Before publicly coming out, Collins was engaged to former WNBA player Carolyn Moos; however, the couple ended their engagement in 2009
Although he spent over a decade in the NBA, playing for teams such as the New Jersey Nets, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards, Collins became widely known in 2013 when he publicly came out as gay while still an active player. Following his death, numerous tributes emerged from the NBA and the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting both his basketball career and the impact he had beyond the game.
Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA, representing teams including the New Jersey Nets, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Wizards. In 2013, he became the first openly gay player in a major North American men’s professional sports league, publicly coming out in a cover story for Sports Illustrated. Later, Collins served as an ambassador for NBA Cares and remained an influential figure in both the sports and LGBTQ+ communities.
After Collins' death, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reflected on the athlete’s legacy in his statement. «His influence and impact went far beyond basketball, as he helped make the NBA, WNBA, and the broader sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations», - Silver said. «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».
Collins passed away on May 12, 2026, at the age of 47 after battling stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Yes, Collins was married to film producer Branson Greene. The couple wed in May 2025 in Austin, Texas, after more than a decade of living together. Before publicly coming out, Collins was engaged to former WNBA player Carolyn Moos; however, the couple ended their engagement in 2009
© Artemenko Olga
