Source: OutKick
Summary
NBA player Jason Collins, 47, died Tuesday after an eight-month battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Collins was the first openly gay active player in a major American sports league and played 13 seasons in the NBA. He is survived by his husband and twin brother.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
Jason Collins, a role player, built a long NBA career, averaging 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds across 13 seasons. He drew national attention in 2013 when he came out as gay in a first-person essay for Sports Illustrated.
Collins saw rotational minutes for the New Jersey Nets during their back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003. He returned to play one final season with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014 before serving as an NBA Cares Ambassador.
Jason Collins’ impact extended far beyond basketball, making the NBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations.
This one felt recognizable early: a talented player, a long career, and a courageous moment of self-identification.
Original Observation: The game of life often ends with a buzzer-beat, and Jason Collins’ story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-acceptance.
Author: Evan Null
