Welcome to the realm of Jason Collins Quotes, where the wisdom and insights of this trailblazing athlete are celebrated and shared. Jason Collins is not just a former professional basketball player; he is a symbol of courage, resilience, and authenticity. As the first openly gay athlete to play in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues, Collins broke barriers and paved the way for greater inclusivity in the world of sports and beyond.
Throughout his career and beyond, Jason Collins has offered words of inspiration, empowerment, and reflection. His quotes resonate with authenticity and speak to the challenges and triumphs of being true to oneself in the face of adversity. Whether discussing matters of identity, diversity, or the pursuit of excellence, Collins’ words have the power to uplift, motivate, and provoke thought. Here, you’ll find a collection of Jason Collins’ most impactful quotes, ready to be shared, contemplated, and embraced.
I want to be able to go on a date, hang with all of my friends, and not be outed on someone else’s terms by some reporter. Jason Collins
The best part of when you reveal your authentic self publicly is that it will allow those people around you, whether it’s your teammates or people who you thought were friends, you will see their true colors come out. Some people who you might have thought would not be supporters end up being some of your biggest supporters. Jason Collins
Of course, life is not a Disney movie. Life is messy. There were some people in my family who made gay jokes and used inappropriate language while I was growing up. Coming out to some people was more challenging than others, but in the end, I was amazed by how much my sexuality didn’t matter. Jason Collins
My parents worked for Travelers Insurance. Jason Collins
For many young people growing up in minority communities, there is a sense that their lives are disposable. As athletes, we have a platform to let those kids know that their lives are important. That their lives matter to us. Jason Collins
When I first came back and I was playing with the Nets, yes, there was a lot of media attention. But after about two weeks, all those stories about being the first gay athlete went away and it became about, ‘Wait, how are the Brooklyn Nets doing?’ The same goes for Robbie Roberts, who won an MLS Cup. Jason Collins
I’ll lead by example and show that gay players are no different from straight ones. Jason Collins
So, I got asked in January of 2014 to attend the State of the Union and sit as a guest in the first lady’s viewing box. Jason Collins
I have had a moment where, well actually a couple moments, where people in the realm of sports have confided in me. Jason Collins
I pride myself on setting tough picks and going out there and being physical. And on the defensive end, players drive the lane, I’m either going to try to take a charge on you or foul you pretty hard. Jason Collins
I was comfortable enough in my own skin to come out on my own terms and in my own words. Jason Collins
There isn’t a professional athlete that doesn’t want to play 12, 13 years. Jason Collins
I’m an NBA player. Jason Collins
What I did when I was younger was look up to the guys like Dikembe Mutombo and Alonzo Mourning who played over a decade. What did they do to last that long? A lot of it is keeping your body in shape, keeping your mind sharp, staying hungry. You should always want guys around like that to set that example, in my mind. Jason Collins
I’m one of those players that wakes up and has like three fouls already. Jason Collins
I think it’s up to the rest of us to try to create that environment where those closeted athletes out there know that when they do choose to step forward, that they will be supported and championed, and continue to play the sport, continue to evolve, and not feel that they have to hide who they are. Jason Collins
There’s nothing more beautiful than just allowing yourself to really be happy and be comfortable in your own skin. Jason Collins
I’ve been on successful teams pretty much my whole career, but even those two seasons I finished with Memphis and Minnesota, you learn just as much from adversity and losses as you do from success. Jason Collins
I’ve grown so much as an individual, I’ve come across so many great people, great organizations, heard so many great stories, inspiring stories. Jason Collins
I know some people will roll their eyes at this, but it’s not like you can totally put academics on pause during March Madness (well, maybe at some schools). At Stanford, you had to handle your business. Jason Collins
I’ve met many people who have come up to me and told me how my story has impacted them. Jason Collins
There’s only so many times you can write the story about the gay teammate. Jason Collins
Anytime you lose a lot of weight you’re going to feel lighter on your feet. Jason Collins
I’ve been booed before. There have been times when I’ve wanted to boo myself. But a lot of ill feelings can be cured by winning. Jason Collins
A team is like a family. Jason Collins
I can just be my normal self. Jason Collins
I don’t have to hide who I am. Jason Collins
My role is to be ready. I never know what night my name and number is going to be called, but my job is to go out there, be physical, play solid defense, and contribute on the offensive end whenever possible. Jason Collins
No matter your religion or what your political views are, I think there’s one thing we can all agree on. Most human beings are not meant to be alone. I know I’m not. Jason Collins
Injuries are part of the game; you’ve got to play through them. Jason Collins
I’m not the loudest person in the room, but I’ll speak up when something isn’t right. And try to make everyone laugh. Jason Collins
I’m trying to live my life as honestly and authentically as I can. Jason Collins
For me, it’s always about being a professional and always being ready. Jason Collins
From my teammates, I’m expecting support because that’s what I would do for my teammates. Jason Collins
As a teammate, you want the best of everyone on your team. It’s about mentally being able to be all in. Why not create an environment that fosters that? Jason Collins
As professional athletes, we’re used to inspiring the next generation, people who are younger than us. Jason Collins
One goal that I have attained in my life that I’m very proud of is to have a positive impact on someone else’s life. Jason Collins
The NBA is like a brotherhood. Jason Collins
It’s always a terrible feeling knowing that you’re about to go home from the NCAA Tournament. Jason Collins
I have been stopped by the police many times in my life. Jason Collins
After a game is over, having my boyfriend wait for me in the family room, just like everyone else’s loved one and not having to hide that. That feeling is so awesome. Incredible feeling. Absolutely incredible feeling. Jason Collins
Twelve years is a long time in any professional sport. I felt that that longevity speaks to something – and to the fact that I’ve earned a right to speak. Jason Collins
I am a fan of the Colts and Andrew Luck. Jason Collins
It’s an honor, any time you play with an organization like the Boston Celtics, all that history there. To put on that uniform, it’s a big deal. Jason Collins
Imagine you’re in the oven, baking. Some of us know and accept our sexuality right away and some need more time to cook. I should know – I baked for 33 years. Jason Collins
When I think about March Madness ’98, the first thing that comes to mind is Mark ‘Mad Dog’ Madsen’s unorthodox dance moves. Jason Collins
I’ve reached that enviable state in life in which I can do pretty much what I want. Jason Collins
I’ve definitely had people come up to me and say that they came out because they saw or read my story. Jason Collins
That’s how I conduct myself – just being professional. Jason Collins
When you keep telling yourself a lie, at some point you buy your own cover story, like a CIA spy or something. Jason Collins
Hopefully my actions will make it easier for them to live their life, to be whoever they want to be. Jason Collins
The fact is, people in some communities have been conditioned to instantly feel safe when they see a police car. Others see one and instantly feel anxiety. Jason Collins
As all professional athletes know, Father Time is undefeated, and when I wake up in the morning, my back especially lets me know that it’s about time to bow out gracefully, let the young guys in and move to being a full time fan of the sport. Jason Collins
I love puzzles, challenges, the feeling that you get when you have an obstacle and go through adversity, finding the strength to go on. Jason Collins
I am really good at playing it straight. Jason Collins
The worst insult you can give a professional athlete is to call them soft. And the stereotype out there is that gay is soft. Jason Collins
I’m still learning new things every single day. Jason Collins
Having a twin, you always have to share. Jason Collins
You know, I mentor a few younger athletes. Jason Collins
I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. Jason Collins
Things can change in an instant, so why not live truthfully? Jason Collins
I check into the game and the ref cleans the whistle off, ‘OK 98s coming in.’ I’m one of those players that’s physical and I use my fouls. Jason Collins
My dream was to play in the NBA and live my authentic life as a proud gay man at the same time. I was able to accomplish both of those goals because of the people who have supported me throughout my life. Jason Collins
For me it always starts with the core. I’ve learned that the stronger that your core is, the better you are. Jason Collins
I hope that every player makes a decision that leads to their own happiness, whatever happiness that is in life. Jason Collins
I always want to be part of a successful team. Jason Collins
There were a couple years when I never went on a date. I would stay at home watching TV with my German shepherd, and when people asked what I was doing, I would make up something. So, yeah, I was lonely. Jason Collins
Every time you go to a new team, every time, it’s like going to a new job. You have to go to your coworkers and tell them your story. ‘Hey, are you married? Do you have kids?’ I got tired of telling a lie. I really got tired of that. Jason Collins
I know I have six fouls. There’s no use in me driving home with them. Jason Collins
Let me tell you about ‘Mad Dog’ Madsen. He was like the Soccer Dad of the Stanford Men’s Basketball Team. Jason Collins
I’ve never sought the spotlight. Though I’m coming out to the world, I intend to guard my privacy. Jason Collins
I’m a creature of routine. When the regular season ends I immediately dedicate myself to getting game ready for the opener of the next campaign in the fall. Jason Collins
So, my role on an NBA basketball team was the defensive stopper, was to be the most physical player on the team. I love that role. I love contact. I love hitting. Jason Collins
When I came into the NBA from Stanford, I had already decided what type of player I would be. I wanted to be the best player and teammate I could be, but not attract too much attention or make too much noise. I didn’t want people to start asking questions about my personal life. Jason Collins
It’s healthy to have differing opinions in a democracy, but we have to respect each other and challenge ourselves to do better – to be better. Jason Collins
I had a happy childhood in the suburbs of L.A. My parents instilled in us an appreciation of history, art and, most important, Motown. Jarron and I weren’t allowed to listen to rap until we were 12. After our birthday I dashed to Target and bought DJ Quik’s album ‘Quik Is the Name.’ I memorized every line. Jason Collins
As a professional athlete, I’ve been booed by 18,000 people. Jason Collins
During that 2011 offseason, as the debate around ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and DOMA was heating up on social media, I had to pull out every last ounce of self-control to keep myself from retweeting something in support of marriage equality. Jason Collins
The more people that choose to live an honest and genuine life, the better it is for everyone. Jason Collins
If I’m not scoring, I better do something on the offensive end. Jason Collins
I would love to see an athlete live their life in an authentic way, not feel that they have to hide, not feel that they have to be afraid, or live with shame – all the other things that go with being a closeted athlete. No human being should have to walk that path. But there is that fear of stepping forward. Jason Collins
You can knock me all you want, but professional basketball players are an elite group and I’ve been doing it 12 years. Jason Collins
I want to march for tolerance, acceptance and understanding. Jason Collins
Obviously, I do a great job of running on the treadmill but there is no way of simulating it, the NBA is much different than running sprints on a treadmill. Jason Collins
Deep down, on a human level, I think everyone knows that it is better to live an authentic life. Jason Collins
I’m black and I’m gay. Jason Collins
The N.B.A. is for the best players, not for the most affordable players. Jason Collins
My job as a professional is to be ready when your name and number is called. You always have to be ready. Jason Collins
The first relative I came out to was my aunt Teri, a superior court judge in San Francisco. Her reaction surprised me. ‘I’ve known you were gay for years,’ she said. From that moment on I was comfortable in my own skin. Jason Collins
I don’t blend in. Jason Collins
I do identify myself as a black man before I identify myself as a gay man. Jason Collins
My journey of self-discovery and self-acknowledgement began in my hometown of Los Angeles and has taken me through two state high school championships, the NCAA Final Four and the Elite Eight, and nine playoffs in 12 NBA seasons. Jason Collins
It’s great to see someone who starts off with one opinion evolve and change his opinion. Jason Collins
It’s my job to go out there and do my job and be ready when my name and number is called, regardless of what team I am playing for. Jason Collins
I do a lot of core stuff, a lot of different core exercises. I have about 30 to 40 different things I can do. I just mix it up. Jason Collins
It’s nice to have a positive impact on someone’s else’s life, and I feel like with my actions that I’ve had a positive impact on someone’s else’s life. Jason Collins
I think the country is ready for supporting an openly gay basketball player. Jason Collins
When I was playing with the Brooklyn Nets, we still called people soft, but we never equated it with being gay. It shows people are capable of changing language and culture. Jason Collins
I’ve been playing basketball for a long time. Jason Collins
If you were to ask Tony Dungy if he feels like homophobia is in his level of thinking or if he’s homophobic, he’d say no. Well, if you were to ask Donald Sterling if he sees how his comments are racist, he said no, too. Some people don’t recognize their own racism, homophobia. Jason Collins