🚨 “Heartbroken”: NBA Trailblazer Jason Collins Passes Away at 47 🏀💔

Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in NBA history, has died at the age of 47 following a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

According to statements released Wednesday, Collins passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and loved ones after fighting stage four brain cancer for several months.

The NBA community responded with an outpouring of grief following the announcement, with commissioner Adam Silver describing the league as “heartbroken” by the loss.

“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” Silver 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.”

Collins spent 13 seasons in the NBA after being selected in the 2001 draft. He played for multiple franchises throughout his career, including the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards before finishing his career with the relocated Brooklyn Nets.

While Collins was primarily known as a defensive-minded role player, his impact extended far beyond basketball statistics. Across his NBA career, he recorded more than 2,000 points and 2,000 rebounds, earning respect throughout the league for his professionalism and leadership.

In 2013, Collins made history when he publicly came out as gay in a cover story for Sports Illustrated, becoming the first active male athlete in a major American professional sports league to do so. His announcement was widely praised across the sports world and beyond, drawing support from public figures including Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey.

The NBA announced in September 2025 that Collins had been diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. Despite his illness, he remained active within the basketball community and attended NBA All-Star Weekend earlier this year. He also continued his involvement with the league’s NBA Cares initiatives, reflecting his long-standing commitment to advocacy and community work.

Collins leaves behind a legacy that transcended sports. Beyond his contributions on the court, he became a groundbreaking figure for inclusion and representation in