Jason Collins

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Jason Collins's greatest achievement was his courage in coming out as gay while still an active NBA player, a historic first that paved the way for LGBTQ+ athletes. He was the first openly gay male athlete to play in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues, a milestone that earned him worldwide recognition. Time magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2014, featuring him on the cover. His legacy as a pioneer in sports and LGBTQ+ rights is unmatched.

AwardsCollins was named a McDonald's High School All-American in 1997 and earned third-team All-American honors at Stanford in 2001. He was featured on the cover of Time's "100 Most Influential People" in 2014 and received the NBA Community Assist Award for his advocacy work. His historic coming-out was recognized with numerous honors from LGBTQ+ organizations.

Honours & Distinctions

First Openly Gay Active Player in NBA History

NBA·2014

Collins became the first openly gay active player in NBA history when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in February 2014.

First Openly Gay Male Athlete to Play in Major North American Pro Sports

Multiple·2014

He was the first openly gay male athlete to play in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues.

Time 100 Most Influential People Cover

Time Magazine·2014

Collins was featured on the cover of Time's '100 Most Influential People' issue.

Sports Illustrated Cover

Sports Illustrated·2013

His coming-out essay was the cover story of Sports Illustrated on April 29, 2013.

Rankings & Lists

#Listed

Time 100 Most Influential People

Time Magazine·2014

Magazine Covers

Time

2014

100 Most Influential People

Sports Illustrated

2013-04-29

The Gay Athlete

Records & Feats

First openly gay active male athlete in major North American pro sports

Historic First·2014

Collins became the first openly gay active male athlete to play in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014.