Jason Collins broke new ground in the NBA and sports by coming out.

Jason Collins: A Legacy Beyond Basketball

Jason Collins made a monumental impact with just three simple words.

He passed away on Tuesday at the age of 47 after a courageous fight against stage 4 glioblastoma. Collins first caught national attention 13 years ago when he penned an article in Sports Illustrated, publicly coming out as gay.

“I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay,” he declared in the May 6, 2013 issue of the magazine, marking him as the first openly gay player in the NBA.

His announcement followed that of football player Robbie Rogers and WNBA star Brittney Griner, who, as the No. 1 overall draft pick, also came out during that time. Notably, former NBA player John Amaechi had come out four years after his playing career ended six years earlier.

Reflecting on his career, Collins mentioned that he had just finished a season with the Wizards and felt like a free agent—both literally and in the broader sense.

Even though he continued to play one more season with the Nets post-announcement, Collins maintained that he never intended to make history. His journey of “self-discovery” was a long one, filled with challenges and triumphs.

“I didn’t aim to be the first openly gay athlete in a major team sport in the United States, but that’s how it turned out. I’m glad to spark the conversation,” he wrote. “I sometimes wish I hadn’t been that kid in the classroom who raised his hand and said, ‘I’m different.’ If I had done it my way, someone else would have been first.”

His journey began in Los Angeles, where he achieved remarkable feats: two state high school championships, an NCAA Final Four, and nine NBA playoff appearances over the span of 12 seasons.

Following his article, then-Commissioner David Stern voiced his admiration for Collins, applauding him for his openness and leadership. Stern remarked, “Jason has always been a respected player and teammate, and we’re proud of the leadership role he’s taken on such a crucial issue.”

In a surprising turn, Collins received supportive calls from individuals like Tim Hardaway, who had previously expressed negative views about homosexuality. He also garnered applause from numerous others, including then-Lakers star Kobe Bryant.

When Karl Nassib became the first active NFL player to come out as gay in 2021, Collins noted how profound Nassib’s impact could be on many lives.

On Tuesday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted Collins’ considerable impact both on the court and in the community. “Jason transcended the game. He helped make the NBA and the wider sports world more inclusive for future generations,” Silver stated. “He will be remembered not only for breaking barriers but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life.”