Jason Collins: NBA Career, Barrier-Breaker and Legacy
Jason Collins enjoyed a 13-season NBA career after starring at Stanford University. The 7-foot center was selected 18th overall in the 2001 draft and played for seven teams, including the Nets, Hawks and Celtics. In 2013 Collins made history as the first openly gay athlete in major North American pro sports. He returned to the Nets in 2014 and was later named among Time’s 100 Most Influential People. Off the court he was engaged to former WNBA player Carolyn Moos before calling off their wedding. In 2025 he married film producer Brunson Green. Diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma, Collins died at home in Los Angeles on May 12, 2026, at age 47. His professionalism, defense and courage both on and off the court remain an inspiration.
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