Jarron Collins Honors Late Twin Jason at 2026 ESPYs

Posthumous Honor for a Trailblazer

Jarron Collins stood before the David H. Koch Theater on July 15, 2026, and accepted the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage on behalf of his brother, Jason. The first openly gay player in the NBA, Jason had died of glioblastoma in May at age 47, leaving a legacy that his twin sought to keep alive.

In his opening remarks, Jarron confessed, “I miss my brother. I wish he was here standing to accept this award.” He described the ceremony as a tribute not only to Jason’s courage but also to the impact he had on countless others who witnessed his public coming out in a 2013 Sports Illustrated essay.

“I’m grateful every time people I don’t even know come up to me and say how much of a powerful impact my brother’s decision to come out impacted their life,” Jarron said, emphasizing the personal weight of the recognition.

A Family Bond Shines in the Spotlight

Jarron and Jason, twins who were often mistaken for one another growing up, shared a deep connection that now carries new meaning. “Now, that scenario has a whole different significance to me,” Jarron admitted. “I’ve never been more proud of Jason than in this moment right now.” Their story illustrates how siblings can support each other through the most public challenges.

Jarron also acknowledged Jason’s admiration for tennis legend Arthur Ashe, the award’s namesake. “He was the bravest and strongest man I’ve ever known,” he reflected, adding that Jason’s authenticity, grace, and joy made him a true trailblazer.

The award honors not just Jason’s groundbreaking career but also his willingness to share his cancer journey, offering hope to others facing similar battles. “When Jason was diagnosed with glioblastoma, he was willing to share his experience, his treatments and his plan with the hope that if not for him, then for others,” Jarron noted, promising to keep his brother’s story alive.

NBA Journey: From Draft to Coaching

Jason’s professional timeline reads like a mosaic of notable stops. Drafted in 2001 by the Houston Rockets, he made his debut with the New Jersey Nets and reached the NBA Finals in his rookie season. Over the years he donned the uniforms of the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards.

• Jarron’s Playing Career – The twin also logged stints with the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Portland Trail Blazers.
• Coaching Tenure – After retiring, Jarron transitioned to coaching, most recently serving as an assistant for the New Orleans Pelicans from 2021 until April 2024.

Both brothers’ careers spanned more than two decades, each leaving distinct marks on the league.

Looking Forward: Continuing the Legacy

Jarron’s acceptance speech ended with a forward‑looking promise: “It’s just the beginning. There are so many more people who could benefit from hearing his story and it’s our responsibility to keep telling it and carry on what he started.”

Observers view the honor as a pivotal moment for the sports community, underscoring the importance of visibility and courage in athletics. As the conversation about inclusion deepens, Jason’s example continues to inspire a new generation of athletes.