Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jason Collins

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

Jason Collins is a former American professional basketball player who played center in the NBA for 13 seasons. He played college basketball at Stanford and was drafted into the NBA in 2001 by the Houston Rockets. He played for several teams, including the Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics, Wizards, and Nets again. He earned third-team All-American honors in 2001.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2001: NBA Combine measurement

During the 2002 Finals appearance, Jason Collins acknowledged that he is not really 7 feet tall as he has been listed since his junior year of college. He was measured 6 ft 10¼ in at the 2001 NBA combine.

2001: Teammate with Jason Kidd

From 2001 to 2008, Jason Collins was teammates with Jason Kidd in New Jersey.

2001: All-American Honors and NBA Draft

In 2001, Jason Collins earned third-team All-American honors while playing college basketball for the Stanford Cardinal. He was then selected by the Houston Rockets as the 18th overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft.

2002: NBA Finals Berth with the Nets

In 2002, as a rookie along with Richard Jefferson, Jason Collins played a significant role in the New Jersey Nets' first-ever NBA Finals berth against the Los Angeles Lakers.

2002: Starting center role for the Nets

In the 2002 NBA season, Jason Collins took over the starting center role for the Nets and helped the franchise back to the NBA Finals.

2004: $25 Million Contract Extension with New Jersey

Prior to the 2004-05 NBA season, Jason Collins signed a $25 million contract extension with New Jersey for five more years.

February 4, 2008: Trade to the Memphis Grizzlies

On February 4, 2008, Jason Collins was traded along with cash considerations to the Memphis Grizzlies for Stromile Swift.

June 26, 2008: Trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves

On June 26, 2008, Jason Collins was dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves in an eight-player deal involving Kevin Love and O. J. Mayo.

2008: Teammate with Jason Kidd

From 2001 to 2008, Jason Collins was teammates with Jason Kidd in New Jersey.

September 2, 2009: Signing with the Atlanta Hawks

On September 2, 2009, Jason Collins signed with the Atlanta Hawks.

2010: Re-signing with the Hawks

In the 2010 offseason, Jason Collins re-signed with the Atlanta Hawks.

July 31, 2012: Signing with the Boston Celtics

On July 31, 2012, Jason Collins signed a contract with the Boston Celtics.

2012: End of 2012-13 NBA season

At the end of the 2012 NBA season, Jason Collins publicly came out as gay.

February 21, 2013: Trade to the Washington Wizards

On February 21, 2013, Jason Collins and Leandro Barbosa were traded to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jordan Crawford.

April 29, 2013: Publicly coming out as gay

On April 29, 2013, Jason Collins publicly came out as gay, becoming the first active male athlete from one of the four major North American professional team sports to publicly do so.

May 6, 2013: Sports Illustrated Cover Story

Jason Collins' first-person story, with journalist Franz Lidz, was published in the May 6, 2013 issue of Sports Illustrated, where he came out as gay, becoming the first active male athlete from one of the four major North American professional team sports to publicly do so.

July 2013: Free Agency

In July 2013, Jason Collins became a free agent and stated that he intended to pursue another contract.

February 2014: Signing with the Nets

In February 2014, Jason Collins signed with the Nets, becoming the first publicly gay athlete to play in any of the four major North American pro sports leagues.

February 23, 2014: Signing with the Brooklyn Nets and Historic Game

On February 23, 2014, Jason Collins signed a 10-day contract to rejoin the Nets, who had since moved to Brooklyn. That night he played 11 minutes against the Lakers, becoming the first publicly gay athlete to play in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues. Collins wore jersey number 46 in his first game of the season.

March 5, 2014: Signing Second 10-Day contract with the Nets

On March 5, 2014, Jason Collins signed a second 10-day contract with the Nets.

March 15, 2014: Signing with Nets for the Rest of the Season

On March 15, 2014, Jason Collins signed with the Nets for the rest of the season.

November 19, 2014: Retirement from Professional Basketball

On November 19, 2014, Jason Collins announced his retirement from professional basketball after 13 seasons in the NBA.

2014: Celebrated 10-Day Contract and Top Selling Jersey

In 2014, The New York Times called Jason Collins' signing with Brooklyn "perhaps basketball’s most celebrated and scrutinized 10-day contract." His No. 98 jersey became the top seller on the NBA's online store.