Jason Collins, NBA's first openly gay player, dies at 47 after cancer battle
Jason Collins, the former NBA player who made history as the first openly gay athlete in a major American team sport, has died at 47. His passing followed a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Collins leaves behind a legacy both on and off the court, shaped alongside his twin brother, Jarron.
Jason and Jarron Collins grew up dominating high school basketball at Harvard-Westlake in the 1990s. Together, they led the team to two state championships and an impressive combined record of 123-10. Their skill and teamwork raised the profile of San Fernando Valley high school basketball to new heights.
In 1995, Jason earned a spot on the All-Southern Section super team, sharing the honour with future NBA star Paul Pierce and broadcaster Doug Gottlieb. Both brothers later played at Stanford before reaching the NBA, where Jason spent 13 seasons. Beyond their athletic achievements, Jason and Jarron were known for their humility and kindness. Despite their fame and towering presence, they treated others with respect and often helped those around them. Jason’s courage extended beyond the court when he came out as gay in 2013, breaking barriers in professional sports. Diagnosed with glioblastoma—a disease with no known cure—Jason faced his illness with the same determination he showed in basketball. His brother Jarron, now a father of three young athletes, including two high school daughters and a seventh-grade son at Harvard-Westlake, has vowed to honour Jason’s memory through his family’s contributions to the game.
Jason Collins’ impact stretches from his record-breaking high school career to his groundbreaking moment in sports history. His battle with cancer and his legacy as a trailblazer will be remembered by fans, teammates, and the basketball community. Jarron and his children will continue to carry forward the values and passion Jason brought to the sport.
