Jason Collins NBA, Bio, Age, Height, Husband, Brother, Net Worth
Jason Collins Biography
What is Jason Collins famous for?
Jason Collins is an American former NBA player and a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ sports trailblazer. He was born on December 2, 1978, in Northridge, California. He grew up playing basketball with his twin brother, Jarron, and developed strong skills early. Collins later starred at Stanford University, where he built his reputation as a dominant defensive center.
He entered the 2001 NBA Draft and began a 13-season NBA career. He played for several teams, including the New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets. Collins focused on defense, leadership, and physical play, which made him a valuable teammate.
Significantly, on April 29, 2013, Collins came out as gay. He became the first openly gay active male athlete in a major American sports league. Later, he played for the Brooklyn Nets, becoming the first openly gay athlete to compete in an NBA game. His courage changed conversations about inclusion in sports.
After retirement, Collins continued to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, sports equality, and mental wellness. In May 2025, he married his longtime partner, Brunson Green.
In 2025, Collins revealed he is battling Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. He continues to fight with resilience and strong family support.
Jason remains an iconic figure in sports history and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Jason Collins Age
How old i Jason Collins?
Jason Collins was born on December 2, 1978 in Northridge, California. Therefore, as of December 2025, he is 47 years old. His age reflects his birthdate and the current year. Jason Collins gained fame as a former NBA player and LGBTQ+ pioneer in professional sports. Today, he remains a notable figure for both his basketball career and his impact on inclusion in sports.
Jason Collins’ Height
How tall is Jason Collins?
Jason Collins stands 7 feet 0 inches tall in official NBA listings. His height equals 213 cm, which helped him play center in the NBA. He used this size for defense, rebounding and shot blocking across 13 seasons. Collins’ 7-foot height became part of his identity as a former NBA player and trailblazer.
Jason Collins Husband | Partner
Collins married Brunson Green, his longtime partner, in May 2025. The couple held a joyful outdoor wedding in Austin, Texas after being together for more than a decade. Green works as an American film producer and has earned acclaim for producing major films like The Help. Collins and Green first met in 2014 and dated for years before getting engaged at a Los Angeles Lakers Pride Night event in 2023. They share a deep bond rooted in love, support, and mutual respect. Collins often credits his husband, Brunson Green, for being a steady support through life’s major moments, including his current health journey. Today, the pair remain a respected couple in both sports and entertainment communities, inspiring many with their commitment and advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Jason Collins Twin Brother Jarron Collins
Jason Collins’ twin brother is Jarron Collins. Both were born on December 2, 1978 in Northridge, California. They played basketball together at Stanford University, where Jarron excelled as a forward/center. After college, Jarron also entered the NBA, primarily with the Utah Jazz. He played in the league for several seasons before transitioning into coaching. In recent years, Jarron worked as a basketball coach and assistant in the NBA. Furthermore, he supported Jason throughout his career and personal milestones. As twins, Jason and Jarron share deep family bonds, athletic success, and public influence in basketball circles. Their twin story remains a notable part of NBA history.
Jason Collins’ Parents
Jason was born to Wayne and Elizabeth Collins in Northridge, California. His parents played a crucial role in shaping his character and work ethic. They encouraged both Jason and his twin brother, Jarron, to pursue basketball and academics simultaneously. Furthermore, Wayne and Elizabeth emphasized discipline, education, and teamwork, which helped the twins excel in school and sports. Their support remained consistent throughout Jason’s NBA career and personal milestones, including his coming out and advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion. Today, Jason often credits his parents’ guidance and values for his resilience, professional success, and dedication to social impact.
Jason Collins Education
Jason Collins received a strong academic foundation before joining the NBA. He attended Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, where he excelled in basketball and academics. He later enrolled at Stanford University, one of the top academic institutions in the United States. At Stanford, he studied communications while playing collegiate basketball with his twin brother, Jarron. Furthermore, he earned recognition for balancing athletics with demanding coursework. His time at Stanford shaped both his leadership and discipline. His education helped build his confidence, communication skills, and professional foundation, which later supported his advocacy and media presence after his NBA career.
Jason Collins NBA Career: Teams, Highlights & Legacy
Jason Collins entered the NBA in 2001 after his standout college career at Stanford University. He played 13 seasons with teams including the New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets. Collins became known for his defensive presence, rebounding skills, and leadership. During his career, he appeared in over 700 games and provided valuable depth off the bench. In 2014, Collins made history as the first openly gay active NBA player when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets. He retired with respect from teammates and fans alike, leaving a lasting legacy in basketball and inclusion. Collins later served as an NBA ambassador and remained active in community outreach.
Jason Collins Stats
Jason Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA from 2001 to 2014. He scored about 2.6 points per game over his career, reflecting his role as a defensive center. Collins also grabbed around 3.8 rebounds per game, showing his presence on the boards. Furthermore, he averaged 0.6 blocks per game, which highlighted his rim protection. In addition, he contributed 0.6 assists and 0.4 steals per game throughout his career. Overall, Jason Collins appeared in more than 700 NBA games, focusing on team defense and physical play. His NBA career stats represent his commitment to defense, rebounding, and leadership more than scoring. Today, these numbers remain part of his legacy as a former NBA player and LGBTQ+ trailblazer.
Jason Collins’ Contract
Jason Collins signed several NBA contracts during his 13-year career. His most notable deal came with the New Jersey Nets, where he earned a multi-year contract after proving his defensive value. He later signed short-term contracts with teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards. Additionally, Collins secured a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014, which later extended for the season. His contracts reflected his role as a defensive center who added leadership and stability. Over his career, he earned millions through NBA salary deals that highlighted his longevity and consistent team contribution.
Jason Collins Diagnosed With Brain Cancer
Jason Collins revealed that doctors diagnosed him with brain cancer in 2025. He shared that he has Stage 4 glioblastoma, a very aggressive brain tumor. Collins said he began experiencing symptoms months before his diagnosis. Therefore, he pursued medical tests that led to the diagnosis. Jason immediately started treatment, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, to fight the disease. Furthermore, he thanked his family, friends, and supporters for their ongoing encouragement and love. Collins continues to update fans about his health journey and his resilience in facing brain cancer with strength and determination. His openness inspires many within and beyond the sports community.
Jason Collins’ Public Coming Out: First Openly Gay Active NBA Player
How did Jason Collins come out?
Jason came out publicly on April 29, 2013, through a personal essay in Sports Illustrated. In the essay, he openly stated that he was gay, making him the first active openly gay male athlete in a major American professional team sport. Collins explained that he wanted to live honestly and hoped his announcement would inspire others. He emphasized his identity as a basketball player first, while also acknowledging the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility in sports. His coming out was widely praised and sparked conversations about inclusion and acceptance in professional athletics.
Jason Collins Net Worth
Jason Collins has an estimated net worth of around $12 million as of 2025. His wealth stems from his NBA career earnings, including contracts and bonuses. Furthermore, he earned income through endorsements and media appearances after retirement. Collins also worked in basketball development and advocacy, which added to his financial portfolio.
