Jason Collins was already an inspiration for countless people. Now the NBA trailblazer is find new ways to inspire, living his life openly with the public as he fights brain cancer.
The NBA announced in September that Collins had a brain tumor.
“NBA Ambassador and 13-year NBA veteran Jason Collins is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor,” the NBA said at the time. “Jason and his family welcome your support and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as they dedicate their attention to Jason’s health and well-being.”
Collins and his family were publicly very quiet for a while after that, leaving many wondering about the status of Collins’ health.
Over the last few weeks, Collins has shared various Instagram stories of him with family.
Recently, his Instagram stories show him and husband, Brunson Green, in Singapore, where Collins is receiving treatment for his brain cancer. On Thanksgiving, he shared a lovely story showing him calling into his family picture from thousands of miles away.
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With so many people across America dealing with a cancer diagnosis, it’s powerful that he has chosen to share his journey. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. He has lived his life openly since becoming the first active NBA player to come out publicly as gay on April 29, 2023, with a cover story for Sports Illustrated.
“Jason has been an incredible friend and an inspiration,” said trailblazing gay high school basketball coach and athletic director Anthony Nicodemo. “His journey today reflects that, and I know the entire LGBTQ community is behind him.”
Jason Collins married Brunson Green, a film producer, earlier this year. He most recently produced “Regretting You,” which has been a critical and box office success.
Green celebrated his birthday in November, and Collins celebrates his birthday today, December 2.
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Jason Collins was a star player at Stanford with his brother, Jaron Collins. In 2001, he was selected by the New Jersey Nets with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft.
He had a long and successful NBA career, playing for six teams over 14 seasons. He was part of the 2002 Nets team that earned a spot in the NBA Finals, the first ever for the franchise. He returned to the Nets after coming out publicly as gay, helping the team late in the season to earn a spot in the NBA Playoffs in 2014 and winning a first-round series.
Outsports continues to send love and appreciation to one of our true heroes, Jason Collins, and we hope everything works out with his current treatment.
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