Former NBA player Jason Collins has publicly shared that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. The 47-year-old revealed the news during an interview with ESPN, marking the first time he has spoken in detail about his condition.
Collins, who became the first openly gay active player in a major North American men’s sports league in 2013, said the diagnosis followed months of concerning symptoms first noticed during the summer.
Former NBA player, Jason Collins, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma this summer. Jason and his husband, Brunson, traveled to Singapore to try an experimental treatment that will give him more time. @ramonashelburne was able to sit down with him as he talks about his… pic.twitter.com/WrkQesnNwJ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 11, 2025
How Jason Collins Learned of His Diagnosis
Collins explained that he initially tried to push through the symptoms, but by August, he struggled to focus enough to pack for a trip to the U.S. Open with his husband. A CT scan soon confirmed he had Stage 4 glioblastoma.
He revealed that the tumor is inoperable due to its shape and location, telling ESPN that removing it could leave him “different.”
A Difficult Prognosis
Collins was candid about the seriousness of his situation, noting the limited life expectancy associated with unresectable glioblastoma.
He stated: “Because my tumor is unresectable, going solely with the ‘standard of care’ — radiation and TMZ — the average prognosis is only 11 to 14 months. If that’s all the time I have left, I’d rather spend it trying a course of treatment that might one day be a new standard of care for everyone.”
Collins said he plans to explore clinical trials and experimental treatments worldwide and acknowledged that his NBA career ensures he can afford to pursue every possible option.
Why Jason Collins Chose to Speak Out
Collins compared this moment to his decision to come out in 2013, describing the importance of living openly even during personal challenge.
He said: “After I came out, someone I really respect told me that my choice to live openly could help someone who I might never meet. I’ve held onto that for years. And if I can do that again now, then that matters.”
Jason Collins’ NBA Legacy
Before his diagnosis, Jason Collins built a respected 13-season NBA career. He was selected 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2001 NBA Draft before being traded to the New Jersey Nets, where he spent much of his career.
He played for six NBA teams in total, returning to the Nets during his final season in 2013–14, where he appeared in 22 games and averaged 7.8 minutes per game. Collins retired at the end of that season.
