Jason Collins is one of the most influential figures in modern professional sports — not just for his on-court career, but for his off-court impact and historic visibility as an openly gay athlete. From a 13-year NBA career to personal triumphs and recent health battles, Collins’ journey continues to inspire millions worldwide.
Who Is Jason Collins?
Jason Paul Collins (born December 2, 1978) is a retired American professional basketball player, best known for his 13-season career in the NBA. He played center for six teams, including the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves, appearing in more than 730 league games.
In 2013, Collins made NBA history by becoming the first active male athlete in major U.S. sports to publicly come out as gay, marking a pivotal moment in sports and LGBTQ+ visibility.
Husband: Brunson Green
In May 2025, Collins married his longtime partner Brunson Green, an acclaimed film producer known for his work on The Help and other major projects. Their intimate wedding marked a joyful milestone after over a decade together.
Green and Collins share a deeply supportive partnership, and Green has been by his side during his recent health challenges, offering love and strength amid serious treatment.
Net Worth & Career Earnings
Net Worth
Jason Collins has built a solid financial foundation from his basketball career, advocacy work, and various professional engagements. His estimated net worth is around $14–16 million.
This estimate reflects his NBA salaries as well as post-retirement work, including speaking engagements, endorsements, and advocacy roles.
Career Earnings
Over his 13-year NBA career, Collins accumulated more than $34 million in salary through various team contracts.
Some highlights include:
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Signing a rookie contract with the New Jersey Nets after being drafted 18th overall in 2001.
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A four-year extension worth over $23 million in the mid-2000s.
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Multiple contracts with other NBA teams as a reliable defensive and leadership presence.
While not a superstar in scoring, Collins’ value came from consistency, defense, and veteran leadership — traits that kept him employed in the league for more than a decade.
Brain Tumor & Health Update
In 2025, Collins publicly revealed a difficult and deeply personal health battle. What began with a family statement about a brain tumor evolved into a stronger public disclosure: he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.
According to Collins:
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The tumor appeared rapidly and has aggressive characteristics.
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He is undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, and experimental immunotherapy treatments.
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His prognosis, under traditional treatment regimens, may be limited to 11–14 months, but he remains determined to fight and contribute to potential breakthroughs in treatment.
Despite the severity of his diagnosis, Collins has used his platform to speak candidly about his condition, aiming to spotlight brain cancer research and encourage others battling serious illness.
Twin Brother: Jarron Collins
Jason Collins isn’t the only athlete in the family. His identical twin brother, Jarron Collins, also played in the NBA and later became involved in coaching and basketball leadership roles. The twin brothers grew up dominating high school and college basketball together before both reaching the professional ranks.
Jarron has been an unwavering source of emotional support for Jason, especially since Jason’s recent health struggles.
Legacy Beyond Basketball
Jason Collins’ legacy extends well beyond his basketball statistics. His courage in coming out — at a time when no other male athlete in major North American sports had done so — sparked crucial conversations about identity, inclusion, and acceptance in athletics and society at large.
Today, Collins remains a respected NBA ambassador and advocate, pushing for social change while living authentically and inspiring countless people around the world.
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