Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, has passed away at the age of 47 after a courageous battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma brain cancer, which he was diagnosed with in November.
Collins was far more than just a basketball player. A 13-year NBA veteran, he became a powerful symbol of courage and authenticity when he came out publicly in a Sports Illustrated article in May 2013. His decision to wear jersey No. 98 was a heartfelt tribute to Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student whose tragic death in 1998 sparked a national conversation about hate crimes. Shepard's mother, Judy, once shared how Collins' gesture moved her to tears, calling it "quite a tribute" that she knew her son would have loved.
On the court, Collins was a force to be reckoned with. Standing 7 feet tall, he played a crucial role for the Brooklyn Nets during their back-to-back Eastern Conference championship runs in 2002 and 2003. His teammates remember him as an incredible locker room presence and a pioneer whose courage inspired everyone around him.
Off the court, Collins dedicated his life to advocacy, becoming a global ambassador for the sport and a champion for LGBTQ+ rights. His family released a heartfelt statement, saying: "Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months."
The basketball world has been quick to honor his legacy. The Stanford community, where Collins played college ball alongside his twin brother Jarron, shared their condolences. The Nets organization called him a "constant in our locker room" who helped define an era of their franchise. As one former coach put it, "This one hurts. Jason Collins was a pioneer with courage like you've never seen."
Collins leaves behind his husband, Brunson, and a legacy that extends far beyond the basketball court. His bravery in living his truth opened doors for countless athletes who followed, proving that authenticity is the ultimate jersey to wear.