DOJO – Former NBA player Jason Collins, the first active male athlete in a major U.S. team sport to come out as gay, has revealed he is undergoing treatment for Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer. Collins spoke publicly for the first time in an essay published on ESPN about his diagnosis, describing the rapid onset of symptoms and the aggressive nature of the disease.
Jason Collins’ Journey
Collins, who played 13 seasons across six NBA teams from 2001 to 2014, said his family initially released a statement in September about a brain tumor, “intentionally vague,” while he was unable to speak for himself.
He recounted the moment his symptoms became apparent: difficulty focusing, memory lapses, and disorientation. A CT scan at UCLA quickly revealed a serious issue, and a subsequent biopsy confirmed Stage 4 glioblastoma. Collins described the tumor as “multiforme,” spreading like a “monster with tentacles across the underside of my brain the width of a baseball,” and noted that without treatment, he could have had only six weeks to three months to live.
What Is Glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer that develops from glial cells, which support and protect neurons. It is characterized by:
- Rapid growth within the limited space of the skull
- Infiltration into healthy brain tissue, making complete surgical removal nearly impossible
- Resistance to standard chemotherapy, often requiring advanced or experimental treatment
Because glioblastoma affects critical areas of the brain, it can impair memory, comprehension, and motor skills, depending on its location. Collins’ tumor, affecting the frontal lobe, impacts areas linked to personality and cognitive function.
Treatment and Outlook
Collins is receiving treatment at a clinic in Singapore that combines targeted chemotherapy, radiation, and experimental immunotherapy. This approach uses specialized delivery systems to bypass the blood-brain barrier and directly attack tumor cells, aiming to slow the cancer’s growth long enough for more advanced therapies.
Despite the diagnosis, Collins emphasizes his determination to fight:
“I’m not going to sit back and let this cancer kill me without giving it a hell of a fight.”
He draws strength from his husband, Brunson Green, his family, and his athletic mindset. Collins compared the fight against glioblastoma to the resilience required in professional sports: facing a challenge head-on, analyzing the problem, and staying mentally focused.
Breaking Barriers On and Off the Court
Collins made history in 2013 when he publicly came out in Sports Illustrated, challenging stigma around LGBTQ+ athletes. His openness now extends to his health battle, aiming to raise awareness of glioblastoma and offer hope to others facing similar diagnoses.
“If what I’m doing doesn’t save me, it might help someone else with this diagnosis one day,” Collins said.
DOJO Perspective
Jason Collins’ story highlights the human side of professional athletes beyond the game. From breaking barriers in sports to confronting a life-threatening disease, Collins embodies resilience, transparency, and advocacy. Glioblastoma remains one of the most aggressive cancers, and Collins’ willingness to share his journey underscores the importance of early detection, cutting-edge research, and mental strength in facing extraordinary challenges.
