In the immediate aftermath to the news of the death of LGBTQ trailblazer and former NBA player Jason Collins, social media was filled with loving remembrances.
Collins, the NBA’s first active out gay player, died from brain cancer on Tuesday at age 47. On Feb. 23, 2014, he was signed by the Brooklyn Nets, making history a year after coming out.
The reaction of Will Sheridan, a gay former college basketball player, was typical:
“You were a pioneer, hooper and found your truth early enough to live your truth and share your story,” Sheridan wrote on Instagram. “You, no doubt, have touched lives and inspired people to be exactly who they are… even in basketball.
“Some may not remember that not too long ago there was little to NO INSPIRATION that looked like US and now generations to come will know. You moved the needle and added to the movement for visibility and equality.”
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Jason Kidd, who now coaches the Dallas Mavericks, was Collins’ coach when he joined the Nets, and he remembered his former player.
“This one hurts. Jason Collins was a pioneer. He had courage like you’ve never seen. He was an incredible teammate. And having him in Brooklyn at the start of my coaching journey meant so much. Those who knew him were blessed to call him a friend. You are already missed my brother. Rest in power.”
This one hurts. Jason Collins was a pioneer. He had courage like you've never seen. He was an incredible teammate. And having him in Brooklyn at the start of my coaching journey meant so much. Those who knew him were blessed to call him a friend. You are already missed my… pic.twitter.com/gG2jWoGRIF
— Jason Kidd (@RealJasonKidd) May 12, 2026
Derrick Gordon
Derrick Gordon was the first Division I men’s basketball player to come out as gay and Collins was one reason for his going public.
“Wow I’m stunned with the passing of Jason Collins who was not just a big brother to me but also role model,” Gordon wrote on X. “You were one of the reasons I decided to come out publicly back in 2014. You gave me a lot of advice and shared things I will never forget. You will truly be missed!!”
Wow I’m stunned with the passing of Jason Collins who was not just a big brother to me but also role model. You were one of the reasons I decided to come out publicly back in 2014. You gave me a lot of advice and shared things I will never forget. You will truly be missed!! pic.twitter.com/hKR95X5YMy
— Derrick Gordon (@flash2gordon) May 12, 2026
Billie Jean King
Josh Sanders, gay former athlete and now TV broadcaster.
Other reactions remembering Jason Collins
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of NBA Cares Ambassador and former NBA player Jason Collins: pic.twitter.com/pxaMpUY9Bo
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 12, 2026
A reminder that impact in sport isn’t only measured in points or trophies, but in the doors opened for others.
Jason Collins used his platform to move the game forward in a way few ever have. His legacy goes beyond basketball — it’s about courage, progress, and humanity.
— Dare Banks (@SportsByBanks) May 12, 2026
No one could have fought this cancer with more grace and courage than my friend, Jason Collins. Devastated for him, his family and this world to lose such a bright light. But what a legacy he’s left us. https://t.co/3Hg5MOU82G
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) May 12, 2026
Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, was a very good man who did a wonderful thing for the family of Matthew Shepard, who was murdered in a brutal hate crime. God bless Jason.
My 2014 column on what Collins meant to Shepard's father: https://t.co/wwuH2BRofw
— Ian O'Connor (@Ian_OConnor) May 12, 2026
The real ones leave footprints that can't be erased. Jason Collins didn't just play the game, he changed it forever. First to stand tall so others wouldn't have to stand alone, then fought the impossible fight with that same courage. Some legacies aren't measured in stats, but in…
— De Kyros 👑 (@De_Kyros) May 12, 2026
It's surreal to think that before Jason Collins checked into a game 12 years ago, there had never been a (recognized) openly-gay person who had played in any of the four major US mens sports leagues. A genuine trailblazer. pic.twitter.com/g4CBz3lZ1I
— Velodus✨ (@velodus) May 12, 2026
Rest in Peace, Brandon Clarke.
Rest in Peace, Jason Collins.
Awful day in the NBA.
Prayers to both families.
— Sam Block (@theblockspot) May 12, 2026
Jason Collins wasn’t just an NBA player — he was a trailblazer who changed the culture of sports by living openly and authentically.
— Kesitywtv (@kesityworldtv) May 12, 2026
It's hard being queer in male sports spaces. It feels like your masculinity is always questioned as you're expected to act straight for everyone's comfort.
Jason Collins is a hero, and I hope his loved ones find peace in knowing the impact he had on millions of guys like me. https://t.co/sOsIbf5rxN
— A.J. Stamps (@_AJStamps_) May 12, 2026
RIP to former NBA player Jason Collins, the first openly Gay, active, male pro athlete. Hard to explain what a big deal it was in 2014 when Collins signed with the Nets. He took number 98 in tribute to Matthew Shepard, the Gay teen murdered in a horrific hate crime. JC was brave and will be missed.
— Dave Zirin (@edgeofsports.bsky.social) 2026-05-12T23:05:33.906Z
Bravery.To come out as the first openly gay player in NBA history takes a galaxy full of bravery.Bravery.To battle brain cancer until the end is the sort of bravery that makes me cower just to consider.Bravery Bravery Bravery.That’s the Jason Collins story and that’s how I’ll remember him.
— NBABeau (@nbabeau.bsky.social) 2026-05-12T23:13:41.619Z
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