Jason Collins cause of death: What we know about passing of former NBA player

Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, has died after a battle with brain cancer, his family and the NBA announced Tuesday. He was 47 years old.

Collins was drafted with the 18th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, and played in 13 seasons with the Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics, and Wizards.

Collins' bravery in coming out in the middle of his career made him one of the most influential players in the league. He was largely praised for the decision and helped move the league in a more progressive direction.

Jason Collins cause of death

Collins died after a battle with brain cancer.

In December 2025, Collins revealed that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, and that the cancer had "spread rapidly."

Collins also said that the average prognosis for his treatment was around 11-14 months, but he did not shy away from his potential lack of time left on Earth.

"If that's all the time I have left," he said, "I'd rather spend it trying a course of treatment that might one day be a new standard of care for everyone."

Social media reacts to Jason Collins' death

Many of Collins' former teams took to social media to offer their condolences after hearing word of Collins' passing.