SouthernWorldwide.com – Jason Collins, a prominent figure in the NBA and the league’s first openly gay active player, has passed away at the age of 47.
Collins died on Tuesday, following an eight-month struggle with Stage 4 glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer he was diagnosed with last August.
His passing comes shortly after the NBA community mourned the loss of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, who was 29 years old.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement on Tuesday, reflecting on Collins’ significant impact. “Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations,” Silver stated.
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Silver further emphasized Collins’ character, noting, “He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador.” He added, “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.” The Commissioner extended condolences to Collins’ husband, Brunson, and his family, friends, and colleagues.
Throughout his career, Collins was a respected role player, primarily known as a center. Standing at 7 feet tall and a graduate of Stanford, he averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game over 13 seasons. His contributions were often vital in defensive and physical matchups.
Collins was part of the New Jersey Nets team that reached the NBA Finals in consecutive seasons in 2002 and 2003, where he saw regular rotational minutes.
In a landmark moment in 2013, Collins publicly came out as gay in an essay for Sports Illustrated, making him the first active player in the NBA to do so. He returned to play one final season with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014 before transitioning into his role as an NBA Cares Ambassador.
Jason Collins is survived by his husband, film producer Brunson Green, and his twin brother, Jarron, who also played basketball at Stanford and in the NBA.
