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Remembering Jason Collins' Legacy of Courage
16 Jul
Summary
- Jason Collins was honored posthumously with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.
- He was the first active player in major North American sports to come out as gay.
- Collins died on May 12, 2026, at 47, from brain cancer.
Jason Collins, a celebrated 13-year NBA veteran, was posthumously awarded the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPYS. The honor recognized his significant impact beyond basketball, particularly his courage in coming out as gay in 2013, making him the first active player in one of the major North American men's professional sports leagues to do so.
Collins passed away on May 12, 2026, at the age of 47 after a public battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma. He had shared details of his prognosis in hopes of helping others facing similar health challenges.
His twin brother, Jarron Collins, accepted the award on his behalf, highlighting Jason's bravery and strength. Jason Collins played 13 seasons as a center for six NBA franchises and retired in November 2014, a year after his groundbreaking announcement.
The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage celebrates individuals in sports whose influence extends far beyond their athletic achievements.
