Former Boston Celtics center Jason Collins has died at 47 after battling stage 4 glioblastoma, his family confirmed Tuesday.
Collins, a 13-year NBA veteran and the first openly gay active player in major U.S. men’s professional sports, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family, according to ESPN and NBA insider Shams Charania.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” his family said in a statement to ESPN. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him.”
Jason Collins Cause of Death: Stage 4 Glioblastoma
Collins revealed in November that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in an interview with ESPN, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
He pursued an aggressive treatment plan, including experimental therapies in Singapore not yet authorized in the United States, ESPN reported. The treatments initially showed promise, allowing Collins to return home and attend NBA All-Star Weekend events earlier this year and a game at his alma mater, Stanford.
However, the cancer returned and progressed rapidly in recent weeks.
Glioblastoma is known for its fast growth and resistance to treatment, particularly in advanced stages.
Jason Collins Celtics Career and NBA Journey
GettyJason Collins during his time with the Boston Celtics. The veteran center died at 47 after battling glioblastoma.
Collins’ time with the Boston Celtics marked a brief but notable chapter in his NBA career.
He signed with the Celtics in 2012 after spending three seasons with the Atlanta Hawks and appeared in 32 games for Boston, averaging 1.2 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.3 steals in a limited role.
His stint in Boston was short-lived. On Feb. 21, 2013, the Celtics traded Collins and Leandro Barbosa to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jordan Crawford.
Across his 13-year NBA career, Collins played for several teams, including the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards. He was part of two Nets teams that reached the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.
Jason Collins Legacy: First Openly Gay NBA Player
Two months after his trade from Boston, Collins made history.
In April 2013, he publicly came out as gay in a Sports Illustrated cover story, becoming the first openly gay active player in any of North America’s four major men’s professional sports leagues, according to ESPN.
“When I chose to come out, there was no scandal or anything,” Collins told ESPN in a later interview. “This was like, I feel that I am good enough to play in the NBA and by the way, I’m gay.”
His decision was widely praised and marked a significant step forward for inclusion and acceptance in professional sports.
After retiring in 2014, Collins remained active as an NBA ambassador, continuing to advocate for equality and representation.
He is survived by his husband, Brunson Green, his parents and his twin brother Jarron Collins.
Collins’ impact extended far beyond the stat sheet, leaving a legacy as both a respected veteran and a groundbreaking figure in the history of the NBA.
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