The late Jason Collins, the first out gay player in NBA history, was honoured with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the 2026 ESPYS on Wednesday (15 July), with his twin brother Jarron Collins accepting the award on his behalf just two months after Jason's death. Holding back tears throughout the speech, Jarron reflected on his brother's legacy both on and off the basketball court. "I miss my brother," he told the audience. "I wish he was here standing to accept this award." He went on to thank Jason's husband, film producer Brunson Green, along with the countless teammates, coaches, friends and supporters who stood by Jason after he publicly came out in 2013 and throughout his battle with glioblastoma. Jarron described his brother as "the bravest and strongest man I've ever known," praising the authenticity and courage that made him a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ athletes worldwide. He also spoke about Jason's decision to publicly share his cancer journey, saying he hoped it would help others facing the same diagnosis. "I'm grateful every time people I don't even know come up to me and say how much my brother's decision to come out impacted their life," he said, before promising that his brother's story would continue. "Tonight is not the end of my brother's legacy... it's just the beginning." Jason Collins made history in 2013 when he became the first active male athlete in one of America's four major professional sports leagues to come out as gay. Following his death on 12 May at the age of 47, tributes poured in from across the sports world, celebrating both his basketball career and the lasting impact of his courage on generations of LGBTQ+ athletes.