Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jason Collins

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2026

Discover the career path of Jason Collins, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jason Collins is a retired American professional basketball player who played 13 seasons in the NBA as a center. He is most notable for his historic 2013 announcement, in which he became the first active male athlete in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues to publicly come out as gay. His decision to come out sparked a significant national conversation regarding LGBTQ+ rights in professional sports and received widespread media attention and support from public figures, including President Barack Obama. Beyond his groundbreaking advocacy, Collins was known throughout his career as a reliable defensive specialist and a tough interior presence. After retiring in 2014, he has continued to serve as a prominent voice for inclusion and diversity within athletics, leaving a lasting legacy as a pioneer for equality in professional sports.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1997: Freshman Season Knee Injury

During the 1997–98 academic year, Jason Collins began his freshman season at Stanford University; however, he suffered a knee injury after appearing in only one game, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season.

1999: Junior Season Breakthrough

During the 1999–2000 season, Collins saw increased playing time as a junior, appearing in 31 games and starting in 11, which marked a significant recovery from his injury-plagued early years.

2000: Senior Season Performance at Stanford

During the 2000-01 academic year, Jason Collins concluded his college career at Stanford by averaging 14.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game throughout the 2000 season.

2000: Pac-10 Title and NCAA Tournament Seed

In 2000, Jason Collins averaged 8.3 points and 6.1 rebounds to help Stanford tie for the Pac-10 title and secure a No. 1 seed in the 2000 NCAA tournament.

2001: Official NBA Combine Measurement

During the 2001 NBA combine, Jason Collins was officially measured at 6 ft 10¼ in, clarifying that he was not the 7 feet tall he had been listed as since his college junior year.

2001: Collegiate Honors and NBA Draft Selection

During the year 2001, Jason Collins earned third-team All-American honors while playing for the Stanford Cardinal and was subsequently selected by the Houston Rockets as the 18th overall pick in the NBA draft.

2001: Collegiate Athletic Achievements and Recognition

In 2001, Collins earned All-Pac-10 first team honors and a spot on the NABC third-team All-American squad. Additionally, he helped lead Stanford to a Pac-10 championship and an Elite Eight appearance in the 2001 NCAA tournament, while finishing his tenure holding the school record for field goal percentage (.608) and ranking third in career blocked shots.

2002: Starting Center for the Nets

During the 2002 NBA season, Jason Collins secured the role of starting center for the New Jersey Nets, significantly contributing to the team's successful run to the NBA Finals.

2002: NBA Finals Appearance with New Jersey Nets

In 2002, Jason Collins played a key role as a rookie for the New Jersey Nets as they secured their first-ever NBA Finals appearance against the Los Angeles Lakers.

2004: Contract Extension with New Jersey

Prior to the 2004 NBA season, Jason Collins solidified his professional future by signing a five-year, $25 million contract extension with the New Jersey Nets.

February 4, 2008: Trade to the Memphis Grizzlies

On February 4, 2008, professional basketball player Jason Collins was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, a move that also involved cash considerations in exchange for player Stromile Swift.

June 26, 2008: Trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves

On June 26, 2008, Jason Collins was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a significant eight-player transaction that also involved Kevin Love and O. J. Mayo.

September 2, 2009: Signing with the Atlanta Hawks

On September 2, 2009, Jason Collins officially signed a contract to play for the Atlanta Hawks basketball team.

2010: Re-signing with the Hawks

During the 2010 offseason, Jason Collins reached an agreement to re-sign with the Atlanta Hawks to continue his professional basketball career.

July 31, 2012: Jason Collins signs with the Boston Celtics

On July 31, 2012, professional basketball player Jason Collins officially signed a contract to play for the Boston Celtics, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.

February 21, 2013: Trade to the Washington Wizards

On February 21, 2013, Jason Collins and Leandro Barbosa were officially traded to the Washington Wizards, while Jordan Crawford was traded in exchange to their former team.

May 6, 2013: Sports Illustrated Cover Story Publication

On May 6, 2013, a cover story featuring a first-person account by Jason Collins was published in Sports Illustrated, detailing his decision to come out as gay, making him the first active male athlete in a major North American professional sport to do so.

July 2013: Jason Collins enters free agency

In July 2013, Jason Collins became a free agent and expressed his intention to continue his professional career, though he remained unsigned throughout the training camp period.

August 2, 2013: Induction into the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame

On August 2, 2013, Jason Collins achieved a significant recognition by being selected as a member of the inaugural class of inductees into the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame.

February 2014: Return to the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets

In February 2014, Jason Collins signed with the Nets, making history as the first publicly gay athlete to compete in one of the four major North American professional sports leagues.

February 23, 2014: Return to the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets

On February 23, 2014, Jason Collins signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets, marking his return to the league. During a game against the Lakers at the Staples Center, he became the first openly gay athlete to play in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues, wearing jersey number 46 before transitioning to number 98.

March 5, 2014: Signing of second 10-day contract with the Nets

On March 5, 2014, Jason Collins extended his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets by signing a second 10-day contract with the team.

November 19, 2014: Retirement from Professional Basketball

On November 19, 2014, Jason Collins officially announced his retirement from the NBA, concluding a professional basketball career that spanned 13 seasons.

2014: Signing with Brooklyn Nets and Jersey Sales Success

In 2014, Jason Collins signed a highly publicized 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets, which was described by The New York Times as a landmark moment in basketball. During this same period in 2014, his No. 98 jersey achieved the status of being the top-selling item on the official NBA online store.