Jason Collins dies at 47: What to know about glioblastoma, the cancer he battled
Former NBA player and the first openly gay athlete in American professional men’s sports, died at age 47 after battling an aggressive brain cancer.
Former NBA center Jason Collins, a trailblazer on and off the court, has died at 47 after battling glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA, suiting up for teams including the New Jersey Nets, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards. Known as a physical, defense-first big man, he built a long career as a respected role player and locker-room presence.
But his impact went far beyond basketball. In 2013, Collins made history as the first openly gay active player in a major U.S. men’s professional sports league, an announcement that reshaped conversations around inclusion in sports and made him a lasting cultural figure.
He revealed in 2025 that he had been diagnosed with glioblastoma. The disease unnfortunately progressed quickly.
What is glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma, often called GBM, is a Grade 4 brain tumor, the most severe classification. It grows rapidly and spreads into surrounding brain tissue, making it extremely difficult to fully remove. Even with treatment (typically surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy), there is currently no cure, and recurrence is common.
Early symptoms can include persistent headaches, memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and seizures, though they vary depending on the tumor’s location.
Collins’ death is a reminder not only of his groundbreaking legacy, but also of the devastating speed and severity of glioblastoma, one of the most challenging cancers medicine still struggles to treat.
More than that, his willingness to live openly and authentically helped pave the way for greater acceptance in professional sports, ensuring his influence will be felt far beyond the game he played.
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