Jason Collins

Jason Paul Collins was born on December 2, 1978, in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles, California — eight minutes before his identical twin brother, Jarron. Raised by their parents, Paul and Portia Collins, both insurance agents, Jason and Jarron grew up inseparable, sharing a court, a classroom, and a calling. Standing seven feet tall and carrying himself with quiet confidence, Jason was the kind of person who could anchor a room just by walking into it. At Harvard-Westlake School, the Collins twins led the basketball program to two California Division III state championships with a combined record of 123–10. Jason set a state career rebounding record with 1,500 rebounds — a testament not just to his size, but to his relentless work ethic. He carried that grit to Stanford University, where he graduated with a degree in communications and finished his college career as the Cardinal's all-time leader in field goal percentage (.608) and third all-time in blocked shots. In 2001, he earned third-team All-American honors and was selected 18th overall in the NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, who immediately traded him to the New Jersey Nets. Over 13 NBA seasons with six teams — the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards — Jason was never primarily a scorer. He was something rarer: a teammate. Known for his defensive toughness, his professionalism, and the genuine kindness he brought to every locker room, he helped carry the Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003. Coaches and colleagues described him as selfless, thoughtful, and the kind of person who brought people together. On April 29, 2013, Jason changed sports forever. In a landmark Sports Illustrated essay titled "Why I'm Coming Out Now," he became the first active openly gay male athlete in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues. "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay." With those words, he transformed not just his own life but the broader conversation about identity, courage, and belonging in professional sports. The response was overwhelming — President Obama called personally to offer congratulations, and in 2014 Jason was named to Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World. He retired in November 2014, went on to serve as an NBA Cares ambassador, and devoted his post-basketball years to LGBTQ+ advocacy, public speaking, and political activism. In December 2025, he announced he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma. He faced the disease with the same quiet courage that defined his life. Jason passed away on May 12, 2026, at 47, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his husband, Brunson Green, and his twin brother, Jarron. He will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but for the boundless kindness that touched everyone he met.