Jason Collins, former NBA player and trailblazing advocate, has publicly revealed that he is battling Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of brain cancer.
In a deeply personal essay published Friday through ESPN, Collins detailed the diagnosis and his determination to fight the disease alongside treatment, family, and hope.
Collins, who played 13 seasons in the NBA for six different teams and made history as the first openly gay athlete active in a major U.S. men’s professional sports league when he came out in 2013, said he chose to share his diagnosis directly after his family released a brief statement about a brain tumor earlier this fall.
“A few months ago, my family released a short statement saying I had a brain tumor… But now it’s time for people to hear directly from me,” Collins wrote.
The 46-year-old said the cancer “came on incredibly fast.” He described the glioblastoma, located near his frontal lobe, as a dangerous, rapidly growing tumor that can spread aggressively within the confines of the skull.
Collins shared that what initially seemed like mild symptoms, such as difficulty focusing and memory lapses, quickly worsened, leading to a CT scan that revealed the gravity of his condition.
“I have Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer,” Collins wrote in his essay. “It came on incredibly fast.”
The NBA veteran reflected on how his family had tried to protect his privacy while he was still processing the news, but emphasized that he is ready to share his story in hopes of helping others facing similar battles.
Glioblastoma is known for being extremely difficult to treat, particularly when it encroaches on areas of the brain that govern critical functions of identity and cognition.
Collins recounted personal moments since the diagnosis, including his recent marriage to his partner, Brunson Green, in May. Despite the prognosis, he said he is committed to fighting the disease with both conventional and experimental therapies.
He also reflected on the power of vulnerability and authenticity, lessons he learned when he publicly came out in 2013, and said he hopes candidly sharing his journey will encourage others facing adversity.
“Your life is so much better when you just show up as your true self,” Collins wrote, underscoring the importance of living openly and honestly, even in the face of profound challenges.
Photo Credit: Instagram – JasonCollins_98
