Chelsea Clinton paid tribute to former NBA player Jason Collins after his death from brain cancer, remembering a friendship that began when both were college freshmen and lasted nearly 30 years.
Collins, who made history in 2013 as the first openly gay active player in any major North American professional sport, died May 12, 2026, following an eight-month fight with Stage IV glioblastoma. He was 47 years old.
Clinton, 46, posted a tribute on social media May 13 that included a photo from their years together at Stanford University, where they met as first-year students.
“Heartbroken by the passing of my beloved friend Jason Collins,” Clinton wrote. “He was a trailblazer whose courage changed lives, and a kind, thoughtful friend who could always make me laugh. He will live in my heart forever.”
A Public Battle With Glioblastoma
Collins received his diagnosis in late summer 2025 and announced in September 2025 that he was undergoing treatment. In a personal essay published in December 2025, he disclosed he was battling Stage IV glioblastoma, describing it as “one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.” The disease “came on incredibly fast,” he wrote, and he committed to fighting it with experimental treatments, including immunotherapy still being studied.
Throughout his eight-month illness, Collins used his platform to raise awareness and support experimental medical research. His family confirmed his death in a statement on May 12, expressing gratitude “for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months.”
A Career That Changed the Game
The 18th overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft, Collins forged a 13-year career as a physical defensive center, selected ahead of future All-Stars including Zach Randolph, Gerald Wallace, Tony Parker, and Gilbert Arenas. He played primarily for the New Jersey Nets, helping lead the franchise to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003. His career also included stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets.
But his most significant impact came in 2013 when he revealed his sexual orientation in a prominent Sports Illustrated feature that opened with: “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m Black, and I’m gay.”
Clinton wrote about learning of his decision in her 2014 Time endorsement when Collins was named one of the magazine’s 100 most influential people. “When Jason called to talk about his forthcoming Sports Illustrated cover story, ‘The Gay Athlete,’ I realized at some point that I wasn’t surprised we were having the conversation we were,” she wrote.
A Friendship Forged at Stanford
The bond between Clinton and Collins endured through his professional basketball career and her own public life. Their closeness was evident when she authored his profile for Time’s influential people list.
The friendship also extended to her parents. Bill Clinton publicly supported Collins in 2013 when the center became the league’s first openly gay active player. On May 13, the former president shared his own tribute, calling Collins “far more than a trailblazer for the NBA” and “a great friend to Chelsea.” He and Hillary Clinton sent condolences to Collins’ husband, Brunson Green, his identical twin brother Jarron Collins, and the rest of the Collins family.
Tributes Pour in Across Sports and Politics
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Collins’ impact “extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations,” adding that Collins “will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life.” Tennis legend Billie Jean King, for whose foundation Collins served as a founding advisory board member, called him “our dear friend” who “helped move sports and society forward with strength.” Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said simply, “We truly lost a giant today.”
Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who coached Collins in Brooklyn, wrote, “This one hurts. Jason Collins was a pioneer. He had courage as you’ve never seen.” The Brooklyn Nets called Collins “selfless, tough, and deeply respected by teammates, coaches, and staff alike,” saying those around him knew him “not just as a competitor, but as a genuinely kind, thoughtful person who brought people together.” A moment of silence was held before Tuesday’s NBA playoff game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs in his honor. Former teammates Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce also shared remembrances of the trailblazing center, as did actress and activist Cynthia Nixon, who called Collins “a true American hero.”
Collins had also been named a recipient of the 2026 Glenn Burke Award by the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame — an honor recognizing courage and authenticity in transforming sports — with an induction ceremony scheduled for June 25 in New York City during NYC Pride. Because he was too ill to attend a prior acceptance event, his twin brother Jarron accepted on his behalf, calling Jason “the bravest, strongest man I’ve ever known.”
Collins is survived by his husband, Brunson Green — a film producer best known for producing “The Help,” whom Collins married in May 2025 — his twin brother Jarron, and an extended family — along with a legacy that reshaped the conversation about identity in American professional sports.
