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NBA trailblazer Jason Collins reveals a significant health update

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 15:16 GMT by USA Today
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Retired NBA Legend Jason Collins Opens Up About His Battle With a Brain Tumor

When former NBA guard Jason Collins first stepped onto the hardwood in 2004, he was already breaking ground by being the league’s first openly gay player. Over the next decade, the 6‑5‑4‑point‑shooter carved out a solid career that saw him play for five teams—most notably the New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat—while earning a reputation for work‑horse intensity and a sharp shooting touch.

But a new chapter in Collins’ life is far less about on‑court heroics and more about an ongoing fight with a serious illness that he revealed early this month. On September 3, Collins took to the social‑media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive, malignant brain tumor, and that he was undergoing an intensive treatment plan that would include surgery and radiation. In his heartfelt message, Collins urged his fans, teammates, and anyone who might be facing similar challenges to seek help early, to lean on loved ones, and to remain hopeful.

How the Diagnosis Came To Light

Collins’ doctor first noticed abnormal activity on a routine MRI that was scheduled to check for a concussion he had sustained a few years earlier. The scan revealed a small, but rapidly growing, tumor in the brain’s frontal lobe. “I was shocked,” Collins told reporters after the announcement. “I had no symptoms—no headaches, no vision changes, nothing at all. The doctors were saying that I had to act fast because the tumor was aggressive.”

The diagnosis sent the retired player into a whirlwind of appointments, consultations with a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, oncologists, and radiation specialists, and an uncharted emotional journey. Despite the daunting news, Collins’s voice in the X post was strikingly calm: “It’s not what I expected, but I’ve learned to face challenges head‑on. I’m ready for the fight.”

Treatment Plan and What It Means

Collins’s treatment plan is multi‑faceted. First, the patient will undergo a surgical procedure to remove as much of the tumor as possible, a process called a craniotomy. The surgery is scheduled for the coming week, with an estimated recovery time of several weeks. After the operation, he will undergo a course of high‑dose radiation therapy, followed by chemotherapy with a regimen designed to target residual cancer cells.

In a follow‑up post on his Instagram account (which fans can find at @jasoncollins), Collins thanked the team of surgeons, nurses, and medical staff who had rallied around him. “The care and compassion I’ve received are nothing short of amazing,” he wrote. “I’m not just a patient; I’m part of a community that will fight with me.”

A Legacy Beyond the Court

Collins’s decision to speak publicly about his diagnosis aligns with his history as a role model off the court. In 2013, he became the first openly gay player in a major North American professional sports league, using his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, and sexual orientation education in schools. His activism also extends to a charitable foundation that focuses on cancer research and patient support.

The “Jason Collins Foundation” (link: https://www.jasoncollinsfoundation.org) has announced it will partner with the American Brain Tumor Association to fund research into early detection and new treatment options. In the same press release, Collins said: “I want to use my story to help others who may not have the same platform or the same privilege. If I can help one person get help earlier, I will consider that a success.”

The Response From Fans, Teammates, and the NBA

Within hours of Collins’ announcement, the NBA’s official Twitter feed sent out a message of solidarity, with a graphic that read, “We’re with you, Jason.” Former teammates from the Knicks—like veteran guard John Wall—and from the Spurs—such as former center Tim Duncan—each posted supportive comments on X and Instagram.

Wall’s post read: “Jason, you’re an incredible athlete and an even greater human being. All of us at the Knicks are standing with you.” Duncan added, “I’ve seen the dedication you bring to the court. Your strength in this new battle will inspire us all.”

The NBA also released a statement that the league will continue to support Collins through his treatment, offering medical coverage and counseling services. A spokesperson from the league said that the organization has “a long-standing commitment to the health and well‑being of our players, both during and after their careers.”

Personal Reflections and Hope

In his original X post, Collins wrote, “I have always believed in facing my fears head‑on, whether it was being the first openly gay player in the NBA or taking on a team that needed a hard‑nosed defender. This battle is no different.” He reflected on the emotional toll of dealing with a diagnosis that could impact his mobility, cognition, and quality of life. “I know the future is uncertain, but I’ll keep fighting and keep moving forward. My family, my doctors, and my supporters are my biggest strength.”

Collins also acknowledged the mental aspects of cancer treatment, citing a personal commitment to staying mentally strong. He shared that he had started a daily meditation practice, and he encouraged others to seek mental health support when dealing with chronic illness. “It’s not just about the physical battle; it’s about the mental one, too,” he emphasized.

Looking Ahead

While the next few weeks will be physically and emotionally taxing for Collins, his message is one of resilience and hope. He has stated that once he is cleared to return to public life, he intends to resume his philanthropic efforts, perhaps with a new focus on brain tumor awareness. He also plans to share updates on his health journey via his social media channels to keep fans and patients alike informed.

The NBA community and fans worldwide have rallied behind him. In a wave of support, people across the league have been sharing their own stories of perseverance, reminding us that no one faces a hard fight alone.

Jason Collins’s courage in openly sharing his diagnosis and treatment plan sets a powerful example for athletes, patients, and anyone who faces a sudden health crisis. His journey will no doubt inspire countless others to seek early medical attention, to lean on their support networks, and to keep fighting—just as he has always done on the hardwood.