NBA’s First Openly Gay Player Jason Collins Has Died, Cause Of Death, Obituary- Saddened To Announce The Passing Of American Basketballer Jason Collins

Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in National Basketball Association history and a respected advocate for inclusion in sports, has died at the age of 47 following an eight-month battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Collins’ family announced his passing Tuesday in a statement released through the NBA, describing him as an inspiration whose influence reached far beyond basketball. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” the family said. They also expressed gratitude for the support, prayers, and medical care he received during his illness.

During his 13-year NBA career, Collins played for six franchises, including the New Jersey Nets, where he helped the team reach two NBA Finals appearances. Known primarily for his defense, toughness, and leadership, he averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds across his career, with his best statistical season coming in 2004–05.

In 2013, Collins made history when he publicly came out as gay in a first-person essay for Sports Illustrated. At the time, he was a free agent nearing the end of his playing career. His decision marked a groundbreaking moment in professional sports and was widely praised across the NBA, the broader sports world, and political circles.

His announcement received support from stars including Kobe Bryant, as well as public figures such as Bill Clinton. Collins later returned to the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets, becoming the first openly gay active player in one of America’s major professional sports leagues.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Collins’ legacy, saying his impact “extended far beyond basketball” and helped make sports more inclusive and welcoming for future generations.

Away from the court, Collins remained active as an NBA Cares Ambassador and continued advocating for equality and acceptance. Just last week, he was honored with the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit. Too ill to attend, the award was accepted by his twin brother, former NBA player Jarron Collins.

Jason Collins will be remembered not only as a trailblazer who broke barriers in professional sports, but also as a compassionate and courageous figure whose legacy continues to inspire countless people around the world.