Jason Collins has died, leaving behind a legacy second to none

Jason Collins, the trailblazing gay former NBA player who opened more closet doors in sports than anyone will ever know, has passed away.

Collins had been very public about his journey to fight against a brain cancer with which he had been diagnosed late last summer. Collins and his husband, Brunson Green, spent weeks in Singapore getting a new, experimental treatment that Collins hoped would be part of a revolution for cancer treatments.

Collins cancer diagnosis — Stage 4 glioblastoma — was one of the worst-possible he could have received, yet he carried on with a public smile and optimism that he could, at the very least, extend his life.

For so publicly fighting his brain cancer, Outsports named Jason Collins our Male Hero of the Year for 2025.

Collins had fallen ill in recent weeks, and now the news of his death will resonate powerfully across the sports world.

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Jason Collins forever legacy is one of love, support and inclusion

The NBA legend has left behind a legacy second to none in the LGBTQ-sports community. Not only did he open eyes and conversations with his famous, groundbreaking Sports Illustrated cover and coming-out story, but he has worked with countless people and organizations over the last dozen years to continue the work he started with that coming out.

I first met Collins just a couple months after his big news. He traveled to Portland to be part of the LGBTQ Sports Summit, hosted by Nike. He was a surprise guest, showing up to offer his love and support to the 100 or so people in the room, including a teenage athlete just finding his way.

He was always willing to lend his time and energy when high school basketball coach Anthony Nicodemo came calling. Nicodemo, like Collins, came out publicly over a decade ago — within months of one another — to change how people viewed gay men in sports, and to inspire others to be their true selves. The two worked closely over the years on various projects.

“Jason was simply the best,” Nicodemo told Outsports shortly after the news of Collins’ death broke. “He made everyone feel welcomed and changed countless lives. His impact on our community will never be forgotten. I’m heartbroken that future generations won’t experience his contagious laugh and inspirational talks.”

The last time I saw Collins was in February. As he battled cancer, he took time out of his day to attend an NBA event in support of LGBTQ youth for All-Star Weekend. He showed signs of struggle that day, yet there he was engaging with the kids, participating in their fun inclusion games as best he could.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement of appreciation for the former player who was always willing to help.

“Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations,” Silver said. “He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador.

“Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.”

Outsports will continue to follow this story and report in the coming days about the legacy of this true trailblazer, Jason Collins.

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