When Jason Collins stepped onto an NBA court in 2013, he wasn't just playing basketball—he was making history. As the first openly gay male athlete in any of North America's four major professional sports, Collins showed a level of courage and grace that deserves to be remembered for generations. That's why it's time for the NBA or the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to create a lasting tribute: The Jason Collins Award for Courage.
Collins passed away on Tuesday at just 47 years old after a battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. His death has left a void in the sports world, but his legacy is one that should never fade. While tributes poured in from across the league and beyond, the real challenge is making sure his impact isn't forgotten once the playoffs resume and the spotlight shifts.
Collins didn't just crack a door open—he kicked it wide. He became a beacon of hope for countless young athletes who were struggling with their identity. When Derrick Gordon became the first openly gay male college basketball player at UMass, Collins was there as a big brother and mentor. He was also a resource for NFL players Michael Sam and Carl Nassib, helping them navigate their own historic moments. But Collins' most profound impact may have been on the kids who drew strength from his courage from afar, realizing they no longer had to hide who they were.
Standing 7 feet tall and weighing 255 pounds, Collins was a Stanford-educated force on and off the court. He was smarter and stronger than almost anyone he encountered, and that combination made him the perfect person to challenge stereotypes. For many people who didn't know—or didn't think they knew—someone who was gay, Collins became the individual who replaced misconceptions with a real, relatable human being.
There's a natural comparison to Jackie Robinson, and while there are similarities, Collins' journey was unique. Sports and society still aren't 100% comfortable with homosexuality, especially for men. Even many of the tributes saluting Collins' life avoided using the word "gay," as if it were a controversial description. That's precisely why a permanent honor like the Jason Collins Award for Courage matters—it ensures that his legacy of dignity, strength, and openness continues to inspire long after the headlines fade.
Collins cracked the door open for gay male athletes. He died before seeing the full results of what he started, but his impact is already undeniable. The NBA and the Hall of Fame have a chance to make sure that courage is never forgotten.