Former Nets center Jason Collins passes away from brain cancer

The Brooklyn Nets have had many great players come through the organization over the years, whether the franchise was in New Jersey or in its current home in Brooklyn. Brooklyn recently gave its support for one of its former players that was battling cancer, but the Nets received some disappointing news with the player passing away in the midst of his cancer battle.

The NBA announced on Tuesday that former Nets center Jason Collins passed away at 47 years old after his battle with Glioblastoma, otherwise known as a grade 4 brain tumor. Collins did an interview with ESPN's Ramona Shelburne in December in which he gave everyone a behind-the-scenes look at what his life has been like while battling his cancer. Others around the league weighed in on Collins passing away.

"Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador."

"We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma," Collins' family said in a statement. "Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly."

Collins spent eight of his 13 seasons in the NBA as a member of the Nets, including the 2013-14 season when he became the first publicly-gay athlete in any of the four major North American sports to play. Collins is recognized not only for his ability to affect others with his personality and professionalism, but also as an advocate for the gay community.