Introduction
Months after his tragic passing, the pioneering legacy of Jason Collins took center stage at the 2026 ESPY Awards. On July 15, 2026, the sports world gathered to posthumously honor the former NBA center with the prestigious Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. The tribute celebrated not only his history-making decision to become the first openly gay active player in the NBA but also the profound strength he and his family displayed during his final battle with terminal illness.
The Ultimate Honor: The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage
The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage is reserved for individuals whose contributions transcend the field of play, reflecting a steadfast commitment to human rights, inclusion, and the visibility of marginalized groups.
Collins, who died in May 2026 at the age of 47 from an aggressive brain tumor, was chosen for the honor due to his enduring impact on LGBTQ+ visibility in professional sports. After a 13-year NBA career—which included back-to-back NBA Finals appearances with the New Jersey Nets—Collins famously came out in a first-person Sports Illustrated essay in 2013, opening doors for countless athletes after him.
A Twin Brother’s Heartfelt Tribute
Accepting the award on his late brother’s behalf was his twin, Jarron Collins. In a deeply touching acceptance speech, Jarron articulated the mix of grief and pride felt by the family.
Describing the honor as “profoundly bittersweet but deeply meaningful,” Jarron used the platform to celebrate a “legacy of visibility, strength, and love that will endure forever.” The emotional speech highlighted the deep-rooted bond between the twins and reminded the audience of the immense pressure and ultimate triumph of Jason’s historic announcement.
Husband Brunson Green Breaks His Silence
The ESPYs broadcast featured an emotional video package in which Jason’s husband, film producer Brunson Green, spoke publicly for the first time about the NBA star’s diagnosis and final months. The couple, who had been together for over a decade, married in May 2025.
Green recalled the devastating moment they first learned of the diagnosis: stage IV glioblastoma, a highly aggressive, incurable form of brain cancer. “When he first got diagnosed he was scrolling Wikipedia about glioblastoma and [how] basically it’s a death sentence,” Green shared.
Despite the grim reality, Collins chose to utilize his final months to spread awareness. Before his passing, he spoke openly about his cancer journey and opted for experimental treatments, striving to advance medical understanding and provide hope for others fighting the same disease.
An Enduring Legacy of Inclusion
The tribute at the 2026 ESPYs served as a powerful reminder of how Jason Collins left the sports world better than he found it. From receiving messages of support from former President Barack Obama in 2013 to fighting cancer with grace and transparency in 2026, Collins’ life stood as a beacon for dignity, tolerance, and compassion.
Though his life was cut short, his impact on the NBA, the LGBTQ+ community, and cancer awareness remains an indelible mark on history.
The moment Jason Collins made history provides context on the immense courage he showed early on by looking back at the overwhelming ovation he received from fans when he first broke barriers in the NBA.