Former National Basketball Association (NBA) center Jason Collins, who broke barriers as the league’s first openly gay active player, has died at age 47 following a diagnosis of glioblastoma, his family announced May 12.

Collins publicly came out in April 2013, a historic moment for the NBA and professional sports more broadly.

At the time, no active male player in major sports leagues had publicly identified as gay. His announcement drew widespread support from teammates, executives, and fans, while also sparking broader conversations about inclusion and acceptance in sports.

After coming out, Collins remained unsigned for nearly a year before joining the Brooklyn Nets on a 10-day contract in February 2014.

He went on to play 22 games for the Nets that season, contributing veteran leadership to a team that advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Despite the historic nature of his return, the Nets’ locker room was widely described as cohesive and focused.

Collins’ career spanned 13 NBA seasons, including stints with several teams, and was marked by his reputation as a physical defender and respected teammate. But his impact extended far beyond the court.

Tennis legend and equality advocate Billie Jean King paid tribute to Collins, saying he “changed lives through his courage, authenticity, and commitment to helping others feel seen.”

Collins later became an advocate for LGBTQ rights and inclusion, using his platform to support athletes navigating their identities in professional sports.

His decision to come out while still active is widely regarded as a turning point that helped pave the way for greater visibility and acceptance.

He is survived by his family, including his twin brother Jarron, a former NBA player and coach.