Jason Collins

Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins was named one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” by Time Magazine, after becoming the first openly gay athlete to compete in one of the four major pro sports leagues in America.

An All-American while at Stanford University, Collins was named to the All Pac-10 First Team, and was a first-round NBA draft pick in 2001. Over the course of 12 seasons he played with six teams (New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards).

At the end of the 2012-13 seasons, Collins came out as gay, and become a free agent. Upon signing with the Brooklyn Nets in February 2014, Collins became the first openly gay athlete in the NBA.