Quick Read
- Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.
- Collins made history in 2013 by coming out publicly in Sports Illustrated.
- He wore No. 98 in honor of Matthew Shepard, a symbol of LGBTQ+ advocacy.
- Collins continues to inspire as an NBA ambassador and public speaker.
Jason Collins, a former NBA center and a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports, is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, according to an announcement from the NBA on Thursday. Collins, 46, has made a lasting impact both on and off the court, becoming the first active, openly gay player in any of North America’s four major professional sports leagues in 2013. His journey, marked by courage and advocacy, continues to inspire many as he faces this new health challenge.
A Trailblazing Career Defined by Courage and Advocacy
Collins’ 13-year NBA career began in 2001 when he was drafted as the 18th overall pick by the Houston Rockets before being traded to the New Jersey Nets. Over the course of his career, he played for several teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Wizards, before retiring in 2014. Known for his defensive prowess, Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game across 735 career appearances.
In 2013, Collins made history by coming out as gay in a groundbreaking Sports Illustrated article, becoming the first active male athlete in any of the major North American sports leagues to do so. Later, in 2014, he signed with the Brooklyn Nets, making him the first openly gay player to compete in the NBA. His courage to come out was a watershed moment in sports, shattering stereotypes and creating a path for future athletes to embrace their identities openly.
Honoring Matthew Shepard: A Symbol of Advocacy
Throughout his career, Collins used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and diversity. He chose to wear the No. 98 jersey during his final seasons with the Celtics, Wizards, and Nets, a tribute to Matthew Shepard, a young gay man whose 1998 murder became a catalyst for federal hate crime legislation. This jersey, once among the league’s top sellers, now resides in the Smithsonian Institution as a symbol of progress and inclusion.
Collins’ advocacy extends beyond symbolism. As a public speaker and NBA ambassador, he has worked tirelessly to promote visibility and inclusion within sports. “We need more and more male athletes to step forward so that we can get to that day when, after the game is over, everyone’s significant other is in the family room waiting for them along with everybody else’s, regardless of gender,” Collins said in an interview with The Athletic in 2023.
A New Battle: Facing a Brain Tumor Diagnosis
On September 11, 2025, the NBA released a statement confirming that Collins is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. The statement, shared by Collins’ family, requested privacy and support as they focus on his health and well-being. “Jason and his family welcome your support and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as they dedicate their attention to Jason’s health and well-being,” the statement read.
Messages of support have poured in from across the sports world. The Brooklyn Nets, where Collins played his final games, posted on social media, “Sending our love and support to @jasoncollins98 and his family.” Fans and fellow athletes have echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the profound impact Collins has had on the NBA and beyond.
A Legacy That Transcends Sports
Collins’ influence stretches far beyond the basketball court. After retiring, he married his longtime partner, Hollywood producer Brunson Green, and continued his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. His brother, Jarron Collins, also remains active in the NBA as an assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans, underscoring the family’s deep ties to the sport.
Collins’ journey from professional athlete to cultural icon is a testament to the power of authenticity and courage. His willingness to be a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports has inspired countless individuals and paved the way for greater acceptance and diversity in athletics.
As Jason Collins embarks on this new chapter of his life, the world watches with hope and admiration for a man who has redefined what it means to be a true champion—both on and off the court.