Jason Collins: Remembering a Basketball Player Who Changed the Game

On July 15, 2026, at 10:50 p.m. ET, the sports world paused to honor a very special person. This article explains who Jason Collins was, what he did, and why he is still remembered today — in a way that’s easy for anyone to understand.

Who Was Jason Collins?

Jason Collins was a basketball player in the NBA (the National Basketball Association — a big professional basketball league in the U.S.) for 13 years. But people remember him for much more than just basketball.

• He played as a "center," a player who usually stays near the basket and helps block the other team’s big players.
• He was known for doing the tough, helpful jobs on the court like setting "screens" (blocking defenders so teammates can move).
• He played for six teams:
  • Nets (in New Jersey and later Brooklyn)
  • Grizzlies
  • Timberwolves
  • Hawks
  • Celtics
  • Wizards
• He made it to the NBA Finals twice with the New Jersey Nets (in 2002 and 2003).
• Before the NBA, he played at Stanford University.
• He retired from basketball in November 2014.

Important Point: Collins was not just a player — he was a pioneer who broke a big barrier in sports.

The Big Thing He Did in 2013

On April 29, 2013, Jason Collins did something no one in major U.S. men’s sports had done before while still playing:

• He told the public he was gay in a cover story for Sports Illustrated magazine.
• He wrote: "I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m Black. And I’m gay."
• At the time, he was a "free agent" (not signed to any team).
• He stayed unsigned for most of the next year.
• On February 23, 2014, the Brooklyn Nets signed him.
• That night, he played against the Lakers and became the first openly gay man to play in a game in the NBA, NFL, MLB, or NHL (the four big men’s sports leagues in North America).

He wore jersey number 98 to honor Matthew Shepard, a gay college student who was tragically killed in 1998.

His Battle With Cancer

Jason Collins was also open about his health struggles:

• He was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, a very serious type of brain cancer.
• He told people about it publicly to help others facing the same thing.
• He died on May 12, 2026, at age 47.

The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage

On July 15, 2026 (Wednesday night), Collins was honored after his death with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPYS (a big sports awards show in New York).

• This award is given each year to a sports person whose impact goes beyond sports.
• It is named after Arthur Ashe, a famous tennis player and activist who died in 1993.
• Collins’s twin brother, Jarron (also a former NBA player), accepted the award for him.

Jarron said:

"I wish he was here standing to accept this award, but I find myself honored to be here and accept this award on his behalf."

He also shared that in Jason’s final months, he told him he was the bravest, strongest man he had ever known, and said, "I’ve never been more proud of Jason than in this moment right now."

Summary

Jason Collins was a 13-year NBA veteran who made history in 2013 as the first active player in a major North American men’s sports league to come out as gay. He later spoke openly about his brain cancer diagnosis and passed away in 2026 at age 47. That same year, he received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPYS, accepted by his brother Jarron. Collins is remembered not only for basketball but for his bravery and honesty both on and off the court.

FAQ

1. What is the ESPYS?
The ESPYS is a yearly awards show that celebrates athletes and moments in sports. It is where the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage was given to Jason Collins.

2. What does "openly gay" mean?
It means a person tells others about their identity as someone attracted to the same gender. Jason Collins shared this publicly in 2013 while still playing.

3. Why did Jason Collins wear the number 98?
He wore No. 98 to remember Matthew Shepard, a gay student who was killed in 1998, showing respect and raising awareness.

4. What is glioblastoma?
It is a very serious and advanced (Stage 4) type of cancer that starts in the brain. Collins shared his diagnosis to help and inspire others.