NBA Legend Jason Collins Dies at 47 from Cancer

Jason Collins, a former NBA player, died at the age of 47 from glioblastoma, an aggressive and inoperable brain cancer. His family announced the news on May 13, revealing that Collins had been diagnosed in 2025 and struggled with concentration as the tumor rapidly spread.

He underwent chemotherapy, including treatments with Avastin, and sought specialist care abroad to slow the disease. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver remarked on Collins' legacy, noting that he made global headlines in 2013 when he became the first active male athlete in a major American professional team sport to publicly come out as gay, marking a significant moment for LGBTQ visibility in sports.

Collins had a 13-season career in the NBA, playing for teams including the New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Boston Celtics, and was known for his defensive presence and respect among teammates. He retired in 2014 and was later named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people.