yahoo - 5/13/2026 2:42:03 AM - GMT (+2 )
Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, has died after a battle with brain cancer, his family and the NBA announced Tuesday. He was 47 years old.
Collins was drafted with the 18th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, and played in 13 seasons with the Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics, and Wizards.
Collins' bravery in coming out in the middle of his career made him one of the most influential players in the league. He was largely praised for the decision and helped move the league in a more progressive direction.
Collins died after a battle with brain cancer.
In December 2025, Collins revealed that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, and that the cancer had "spread rapidly."
Collins also said that the average prognosis for his treatment was around 11-14 months, but he did not shy away from his potential lack of time left on Earth.
"If that's all the time I have left," he said, "I'd rather spend it trying a course of treatment that might one day be a new standard of care for everyone."
Social media reacts to Jason Collins' deathMany of Collins' former teams took to social media to offer their condolences after hearing word of Collins' passing.
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jason Collins.
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) May 13, 2026
Jason spent eight seasons in a Nets uniform, helping define an era of our franchise and playing a vital role on our back-to-back Eastern Conference championship teams in 2002 and 2003. He was a constant in our locker… pic.twitter.com/mN9KUyJ8oK
Jason Collins was a beloved member of the Celtics family. He was a pioneer in the NBA and professional sports, and we are grateful to have felt his impact in Boston.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 12, 2026
May he rest in peace 💚 pic.twitter.com/AG3Uh04Zxj
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Wizard Jason Collins following his battle with glioblastoma, and are sending our condolences to his family & loved ones. pic.twitter.com/9pWNLxIapw
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) May 12, 2026
The Stanford Basketball community mourns the loss of Jason Collins.
— Stanford Men's Basketball (@StanfordMBB) May 12, 2026
Our love and support are with his husband, Brunson, brother, Jarron, and all of his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/GX2Ogdcjpc
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How did Jason Collins die? Details about death of former NBA player
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