Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA player, dies at 47

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Former NBA player Jason Collins, the league's first openly gay player, died on May 12. Collins had been battling Stage 4 gliaobastoma brain cancer since November.

Jason Collins was 47. He was much more than an NBA player. He became a spokesperson, advocate and global ambassador for the sport as well as many other causes.

Collins came out publicly in a Sports Illustrated article in May 2013. As an aside from his story, he also revealed why he chose to wear No. 98. It was a tribute to Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student who was beaten, tortured and left to die in October of 1998. Shepard's mom Judy spoke about Collins' gesture. “It made me cry,” Judy Shepard told FOXSports.com during an interview. “It was really quite a tribute, and I was very honored. And I know Matt would be thrilled.”

Collins' family released 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.”

Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

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Jason Collins​

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jason Collins.

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/9Qo1JRbLkU

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) May 13, 2026

Jason Collins​

This one hurts. Jason Collins was a pioneer. He had courage like you've never seen. He was an incredible teammate. And having him in Brooklyn at the start of my coaching journey meant so much. Those who knew him were blessed to call him a friend. You are already missed my… pic.twitter.com/gG2jWoGRIF

— Jason Kidd (@RealJasonKidd) May 12, 2026

Jason Collins​

The Stanford Basketball community mourns the loss of Jason Collins.

Our love and support are with his husband, Brunson, brother, Jarron, and all of his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/GX2Ogdcjpc

— Stanford Men's Basketball (@StanfordMBB) May 12, 2026

Jason Collins​

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.

May he rest in peace pic.twitter.com/AG3Uh04Zxj

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 12, 2026

Jason Collins​

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player, a founding advisory board member for the @BJK_Foundation, and our dear friend.

Jason changed lives through his courage, authenticity, and commitment to helping others feel seen.… pic.twitter.com/fXZrusQPPz

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) May 12, 2026

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA player, dies

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