Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player and ambassador for the league, has died at age 47 from a brain tumor, his family announced Tuesday.
Collins spent 13 years as a league player for six different franchises. He came out as gay in 2013, an announcement that came near the end of his playing career.
Collins was diagnosed last year with stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer and has an extremely low survival rate.
“Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and those who admired him from afar,” Collins’ family said in a statement released through the NBA.
“Thank you for your love and prayers over the past eight months, and for the excellent medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”
Last week, Collins received the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit. He was too ill to attend and his twin brother, former NBA player Jarron Collins, accepted in his place.
“I told my brother this before I came here, he’s the bravest, strongest man I’ve ever known,” Jarron Collins said as he accepted the award.
Jason Collins has career averages of 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds. He helped the New Jersey Nets reach two NBA Finals and averaged 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in his best season, 2004-05.
“Jason Collins’ impact extends beyond basketball, helping make the NBA, WNBA and the greater sports community a more inclusive and welcoming place for future generations,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
“He has demonstrated outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and 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 inspired so many others.
“On behalf of the NBA, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Jason’s husband Brunson, his family, friends and colleagues.”
