The sports world is mourning the loss of Jason Collins, the former NBA center who made history as the first openly gay active player in major American professional sports. Collins reportedly passed away at the age of 47 after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Collins spent 13 seasons in the NBA playing for teams including the Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Wizards. While he built a respected career as a defensive-minded veteran and locker room leader, it was his courage off the court that changed sports history forever.
🏀 Jason Collins, the first openly gay active player in major U.S. professional sports, has reportedly passed away at 47 after battling brain cancer. In 2013, Collins made history when he publicly came out while still an active NBA player — helping change the conversation around LGBTQ+ representation in sports forever.
Fans, former teammates, and the NBA are now paying tribute to the trailblazer whose courage inspired so many on and off the court.
Rest in peace, Jason Collins. 🕊️
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