Jason Collins, NBA’s First Openly Gay Player, Dies At 47

Former NBA center Jason Collins passed away at 47 due to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, his family announced Tuesday. Collins announced the diagnosis in December and said that he was undergoing treatments.

“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” Collins’ family said in a statement. “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, and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”

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Collins began his NBA career in 2001 after being drafted by the Houston Rockets 18th overall; he would be sent to the New Jersey Nets in a draft-night trade package so the Rockets could move up and select Eddie Griffin. Collins became an important piece of the Nets’ run to the 2002 NBA Finals; he averaged 2.4 rebounds and 2.9 points per game in 17 playoff games during the 2001-2002 season. He would bounce between five other teams from 2008-2013 before rejoining the Nets for the 2013-14 season.

The Stanford alum made history by being the first openly gay player across the four major North American men’s sports leagues. When he was a free agent, Collins wrote an essay that made the front cover of a Sports Illustrated magazine. Despite the strides of the gay rights movement, the essay came at a time when gay marriage was illegal in the United States, while American men’s professional sports had not historically been welcoming to gay athletes. Gay marriage was made legal in 2015.

Despite questions arising about whether the essay would end his career, Collins received support from numerous celebrities and sports figures.

President Barack Obama invited Collins to the 2014 State of the Union Address as a guest of the first lady, Michelle Obama. He would then be appointed to serve on President Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

The positive perception from NBA athletes represented a shift in how gay people are viewed. For example, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant posted a social media message supporting Collins’ decision, despite being fined in 2011 after calling a referee an anti-gay slur.

“My message to other athletes is just be yourself,” Collins said after his first appearance with the Nets in February 2014. He added, “Never be afraid or ashamed or have any fear to be your true, authentic self.”