NBA community mourns death of trailblazing center Jason Collins

Former NBA center Jason Collins died at 47 after a long battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma (a form of brain cancer), his family announced Tuesday.

"We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died in a valiant fight with glioblastoma," Collins' family said in a statement. "Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly."

Collins, who played for six teams (including the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics) from 2001-14, announced he was gay in an April 2013 Sports Illustrated cover story. He was the first publicly gay athlete in the four North American sports. 

Shortly after his death, NBA commissioner Adam Silver and others celebrated his life and legacy. 

NBA world reacts to Jason Collins' death

"Jason Collins' impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations," Silver said, per a statement. "He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. Jason will be remembered for not only breaking barriers but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others. 

"On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason's husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues."