Former NBA player Jason Collins is once again reminding the world what courage looks like.
In a deeply personal and emotional interview with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Collins revealed that he is undergoing treatment for Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
The announcement comes months after his family shared that he was battling a brain tumor, though details were intentionally withheld at Collins’ request.
Just as he did when he made history in 2013 as the first openly gay active NBA player, Collins chose to share this chapter of his life on his own terms.
Listening To His Body And Facing The Diagnosis
Jason Collins explained that he first began experiencing symptoms over the summer.
What initially felt like forgetfulness quickly escalated into something far more alarming.
In August, he found himself unable to complete a simple task: packing for a trip to the US Open.
A CT scan soon revealed a brain tumor, and doctors confirmed Stage 4 glioblastoma.
“According to my family, in hours, my mental clarity, short-term memory and comprehension disappeared — turning into an NBA player’s version of Dory from ‘Finding Nemo,’” Collins said.
“Over the next few weeks, we would find out just how bad it was.”
Doctors determined that Collins’ tumor is unresectable, meaning it cannot be safely removed through surgery.
He has since undergone radiation treatment and has taken Avastin, a drug used to slow tumor growth.
“Because my tumor is unresectable, going solely with the ‘standard of care’ — radiation and TMZ — the average prognosis is only 11 to 14 months,” Collins said.
“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.”
Choosing Honesty And Control Over His Narrative
For Jason Collins, the decision to speak publicly about his diagnosis mirrors how he approached coming out more than a decade ago.
Trust, timing, and authenticity mattered then, and they matter now.
“I wasn’t worried it would leak before the story came out, because I trusted the people I told,” Collins said.
“And guess what? Nothing leaked. I got to tell my own story, the way I wanted to.”
Reflecting on life since coming out, Collins shared a powerful reminder about the freedom that comes with living authentically.
“And now I can honestly say, the past 12 years since have been the best of my life. Your life is so much better when you just show up as your true self, unafraid to be your true self, in public or private. This is me. This is what I’m dealing with.”
From Stanford Standout To NBA Trailblazer
Growing up in Southern California, Jason Collins and his twin brother, Jarron, committed to play college basketball at Stanford.
Collins spent four seasons with the Cardinal from 1997 to 2001, earning All-American honors during his senior year.
He was selected in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets and went on to play 13 seasons in the league.
Much of his career was spent with the New Jersey Nets, later known as the Brooklyn Nets, along with stints on five other teams.
Collins officially retired from professional basketball in 2014.
A Moment Of Fear And Determination
In the interview, the 47-year-old also recalled a frightening fall at his Los Angeles home just one week before he was hospitalized.
Even in that vulnerable moment, Collins’ resolve never wavered.
“All I could think while I was down there was, ‘This is not how you’re going to find me. I’m not going to be like Elvis on the toilet,’” Collins said.
“If something goes bad here, this is not how you’re going to find me. I’m going to figure out how to solve this puzzle. If I don’t panic, I will figure this out. I will get myself up.”
He did exactly that.
“You’re reading this now because I eventually got myself up and figured it out. Anyone who knows me knows not to underestimate me on this, either.”
Sending Love And Prayers
Jason Collins’ story is not just about illness.
It’s about agency, truth, and the quiet strength it takes to face life’s hardest moments without surrendering your voice.
Once again, he is showing up as his full self, reminding us that dignity and honesty matter, especially when the stakes are high.
Sending love and strength to Jason Collins and his loved ones during this difficult journey.
Drop down in the comments and share a message of support for Jason.
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