Jason Collins built a career that was never defined by flashy numbers, yet his influence on basketball reached far beyond the stat sheet. Following news of Collins’ death at 47 after a battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma, attention has shifted not only to his historic NBA legacy but also to the life he built away from the court. From his groundbreaking role as the first openly gay active player in major American team sports to his work as an advocate and ambassador, Collins remained a respected figure long after retirement.
The former NBA center spent 13 seasons in the league, earned millions during his playing career, and became one of the most important cultural voices in modern sports history. Even during his final months, Collins continued speaking openly about his health battle and the importance of authenticity. His death prompted tributes from across the basketball world, with many remembering not just the barrier he broke, but the calm and thoughtful way he carried himself through it all.
Jason Collins net worth before his passing
At the time of his death in May 2026, Jason Collins reportedly had an estimated net worth of around $14 million (per Celebrity Net Worth). Much of that wealth came from a long NBA career that stretched across more than a decade, along with advocacy work and ambassador roles after retirement.
Collins revealed in late 2025 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, describing it as “one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.” His family later confirmed he died following a “valiant fight” with the disease.
“Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” his family said in a statement shared by the NBA.
Jason Collins' NBA career and earnings
Drafted 18th overall in 2001 by the Houston Rockets before being traded to the New Jersey Nets, Collins carved out a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable role players. He later suited up for the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and eventually the Brooklyn Nets.
Collins earned respect for his defense. Over 13 NBA seasons, he reportedly earned more than $34 million in salary.
His biggest moment came off the floor in 2013, when he publicly came out in a groundbreaking Sports Illustrated essay.
“I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay,” Collins wrote. “I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation.”
Who is Jason Collins’ husband?
Collins was married to Brunson Green, an Oscar-nominated Hollywood producer known for films including The Help. The couple married in May 2025 after several years together.
Green and Collins first connected after the former NBA player retired in 2014. Collins once recalled asking friends about Green after their first meeting, saying, “Brunson left for Europe the following day, and while he was overseas, I asked everyone I knew in LA, ‘Have you heard of this guy?’”
The couple did not have children together, though Collins remained especially close with his twin brother, Jarron Collins, and his parents throughout his life.
Jason Collins' legacy
Collins’ place in sports history was secured long before his death. In 2014, he became the first openly gay athlete to play in any of North America’s four major professional sports leagues.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver later said Collins “helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations.”
Jason Collins' life after NBA retirement
After retiring in 2014, Collins stayed connected to basketball and advocacy work. He served as a global NBA ambassador, participated in equality campaigns, and remained active in community programs focused on inclusion and representation.
In one of his final interviews, Collins reflected on a call he once received from former President Barack Obama after publicly coming out.
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