Jason Collins, the basketball player who shattered barriers in professional sports by coming out as gay in 2013 while playing in the NBA, has died after a courageous eight-month battle with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. According to reports, Collins bequeathed more than $1.8 million in personal assets to his family and a number of LGBTQ+ charitable organizations.
Collins, 41, passed away surrounded by loved ones, according to statements released by his family. The cause of death was complications from glioblastoma multiforme, one of the most malignant types of brain tumors, which had continued to progress despite treatment efforts.
Born on December 3, 1978, in Riverside, California, Collins played college basketball at Stanford University before being selected in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards. Over a 13-year professional career, he played for the Nets, Celtics, Wizards, and Knicks, becoming known as much for his steady defense and rebounding as for the monumental impact of his public coming out during a Sports Illustrated cover story in April 2013.
His decision to come out while still an active NBA player sent shockwaves through American sports and earned him widespread admiration. President Barack Obama praised Collins at the time, calling him a "true pioneer." Collins became the first openly gay athlete in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues, paving the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ athletes.
After retiring from professional basketball, Collins remained deeply involved in advocacy work, particularly around LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and mental health awareness. In 2020, he founded the Collins Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting LGBTQ+ youth and promoting inclusivity in sports and beyond.
The glioblastoma diagnosis was announced publicly in August 2025, and Collins spent the following months undergoing treatment while staying open with fans and supporters about his journey. His final public appearances included heartfelt messages urging people to live authentically and without fear.
The estate arrangement details that over $1.8 million — including cash, investments, and personal property — will go to his surviving family members and several LGBTQ+ nonprofits, continuing his legacy long after his playing days and advocacy work ended.
Colleagues, former teammates, and activists have poured out tributes since news of his passing broke, remembering Collins not only as an extraordinary athlete but as a transformative figure whose courage changed the landscape of professional sports forever.
