Atlanta Hawks Remember Jason Collins, NBA’s First Openly Gay Player

Jason Collins, former forward for the Atlanta Hawks, died Tuesday at age 47 after a battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma. The NBA’s first openly gay player left a legacy that still reverberates through the league’s culture and the Hawks’ community work.

Jason Collins announced his diagnosis on social media in early 2025, sharing a candid video that sparked an outpouring of support from teammates, fans, and even rival franchises. The former NBA veteran had spent a single season with the Hawks in 2008‑09, appearing in 42 games and earning respect for his professionalism both on and off the court. While his statistical contributions were modest, his willingness to be authentic opened doors for future LGBTQ+ athletes. In a statement, the league’s commissioner called him “a pioneer for inclusion and an ambassador for the game”.

Why Jason Collins Still Matters to the Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks executives recall how Collins’ presence helped shape the franchise’s outreach strategy. After his 2013 coming‑out, the team partnered with local LGBTQ+ groups, launching a scholarship program that remains active today. The front office plans a moment of silence at the next home game and is exploring a permanent tribute in his honor. Some analysts argue that highlighting Collins could improve the Hawks’ brand among younger, socially‑conscious fans (Sky Sports).

Beyond the immediate community initiatives, Collins’ tenure with the Hawks occurred during a pivotal period for the franchise. The 2008‑09 season marked the second year under head coach Mike Woodson, who emphasized a defense‑first identity built around versatile forwards and a strong interior presence. Collins, a 7‑foot center known for his ability to set hard screens, protect the rim, and communicate effectively on the defensive end, fit Woodson’s scheme as a reliable backup behind starting big men Al Horford and Zaza Pachulia. Though his averages with Atlanta were modest—approximately 2.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks per game—his locker‑room leadership was frequently cited by teammates who noted his steady demeanor during a season in which the Hawks finished 47‑35, secured the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, and pushed the eventual champion Boston Celtics to a seven‑game first‑round series.

Collins’ professionalism extended beyond the court. He was known for arriving early to practice, staying late to work on his post moves, and mentoring younger players such as Jeff Teague, who was in his rookie year. His experience playing under various coaches across the league—including stints with the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Lakers—gave him a broad perspective on team dynamics that he shared openly with Hawks teammates. This veteran presence helped stabilize a roster that was transitioning from the Joe Johnson‑centric era to a younger core built around Horford and Teague.

Background: Collins’ Impact on the NBA

When Collins publicly came out in 2013, he forced the NBA to confront diversity head‑on, prompting the league to create new inclusion initiatives. According to NBA.com, the league’s LGBTQ+ ally program launched in 2014 bore his influence. His advocacy helped shape community‑engagement policies that persist across all 30 teams.

Collins’ journey to the NBA began at Stanford University, where he played four seasons for the Cardinal, earning All‑Pac‑10 honors and showcasing a blend of size, intelligence, and defensive awareness. Selected 51st overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets, he embarked on a 13‑year career that saw him appear in over 800 regular‑season games. While never an All‑Star, Collins carved out a niche as a dependable backup center whose strengths lay in setting screens, rotating on defense, and providing a steadying voice in the locker room. His career averages—approximately 3.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game—reflect a role player who contributed primarily through intangibles.

The significance of Collins’ 2013 announcement extends beyond personal courage. At the time, no active player in the four major North American men’s leagues had disclosed homosexuality while still playing. His decision preceded public coming‑outs by WNBA star Brittney Griner (2013), NFL lineman Carl Nassib (2021), and MLS player Collin Martin (2018), positioning him as a trailblazer whose actions helped normalize LGBTQ+ visibility in professional sports. Scholars in sports sociology note that Collins’ visibility accelerated institutional changes, including the adoption of inclusive language in player contracts, the expansion of diversity training for staff, and the league’s partnership with organizations such as Athlete Ally and You Can Play.

Key Developments

• Collins announced his glioblastoma diagnosis via Instagram in February 2025, writing, “I’m fighting this with the same honesty I’ve always tried to live by.”
• The NBA released an official statement highlighting his role in the 2014 LGBTQ+ ally program rollout.
• Collins wore jersey number 98 with the Hawks; the team has not officially retired the number but has pledged to honor his advocacy annually.

What This Means for the Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks owner Tony Ressler said the organization will host a community forum on LGBTQ+ inclusion next month, inviting former teammates and activists to speak. The franchise hopes the dialogue will reinforce its reputation as a progressive club in the Southeast. While Collins’ on‑court impact was brief, his cultural imprint continues to influence locker‑room conversations and fan outreach events.

The forthcoming forum is expected to feature panel discussions on topics such as allyship in locker rooms, best practices for supporting LGBTQ+ youth through sports, and the intersection of race and sexuality in athlete activism. Hawks officials have indicated that they will collaborate with local advocacy groups like Georgia Equality and the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Sports Equality Project to ensure the event addresses both symbolic gestures and concrete policy recommendations. In addition, the team is exploring the creation of an annual “Collins Courage Award” to recognize a player or staff member who exemplifies leadership in promoting inclusivity, a concept that aligns with the NBA’s own “Community Assist Award” but tailored to the Hawks’ market.

From a business perspective, leveraging Collins’ legacy could enhance the Hawks’ appeal to demographics that prioritize social responsibility. Market research shows that Gen Z and millennial fans are more likely to engage with brands that demonstrate authentic commitment to diversity initiatives. By integrating Collins’ story into game‑night presentations, digital content, and community programs, the Hawks aim to strengthen fan loyalty and attract partnership opportunities with companies seeking to align with inclusive values.