Former NBA player Jason Collins, the first openly gay athlete in the league, revealed in an emotional essay for ESPN that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer. The 47-year-old basketball veteran shared details about his diagnosis, treatment plan, and the support of his family and loved ones as he begins a courageous battle against this aggressive disease.
Jason Collins Opens Up About His Diagnosis
Collins first disclosed that he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor in September 2025 through a family statement. On December 11, 2025, he provided a personal account of his condition, explaining that he has Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
“Stage 4 glioblastoma is incredibly fast and deadly,” Collins wrote. “What makes it so dangerous is that it grows within a very finite, contained space — the skull — and is encroaching upon the frontal lobe, which is what makes you, ‘you.’”
Collins vividly described his tumor as “a monster with tentacles spreading across the underside of my brain the width of a baseball.”
Early Symptoms and Discovery
Collins recalled noticing unusual symptoms leading up to his diagnosis. During a trip to the U.S. Open with his husband, Brunson Green, Collins struggled with focus and memory, which prompted further medical evaluation.
“Something was really wrong, though,” Collins wrote. “I couldn’t stay focused to pack. My mental clarity, short-term memory, and comprehension disappeared in just hours.”
A CT scan at UCLA confirmed the severity of his condition within minutes, revealing the tumor’s aggressive growth. His biopsy indicated a growth factor of 30%, meaning the tumor could have proven fatal within six weeks to three months without immediate intervention.
Family Support and Motivation
Collins emphasized the importance of his support system in facing the diagnosis. His twin brother, Jarron Collins, encouraged him to fight:
“‘You have to fight. No matter what, you have to fight,’” Jason recalled Jarron saying.
Collins also reflected on his past experiences coming out publicly in 2013 as the first active openly gay NBA player, noting that living authentically has always been central to his approach to life.
“Life is so much better when you just show up as your true self, unafraid to be your true self, in public or private,” he wrote.
Treatment Plan and Outlook
While his prognosis is 11 to 14 months, Collins remains determined to fight. He explained that his goal is to keep his health stable long enough to receive personalized immunotherapy, which could one day become a new standard of care for glioblastoma patients.
“If that’s all the time I have left, I’d rather spend it trying a course of treatment that might one day help everyone,” Collins wrote.
Collins’ essay demonstrates his resilience and commitment to advancing medical treatment, even as he faces one of the most challenging diagnoses in sports history.
Jason Collins’ Legacy
Collins is widely recognized for his trailblazing role in professional sports and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. He played in the NBA for the Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Atlanta Hawks, and has consistently been celebrated for his courage on and off the court.
His openness about his brain cancer diagnosis continues this legacy, inspiring fans, athletes, and the broader community to face life’s challenges with honesty and bravery.
Key Takeaways
- Former NBA player Jason Collins has Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
- Collins’ prognosis is 11 to 14 months, but he plans to fight and pursue personalized immunotherapy.
- Early symptoms included memory loss, focus issues, and difficulty with daily tasks.
- Collins credits his family, especially twin brother Jarron, for encouragement and support.
- He remains committed to living authentically and inspiring others, continuing his legacy as the first openly gay NBA player.
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