Updated: September 12, 2026
Jason Collins made history as the first openly gay player in the NBA when he came out in 2013. Beyond the court, fans have long been curious about the man who stood by his side: his husband, Brunson Green. Their story is one of quiet connection, lasting partnership, and mutual support through triumphs and profound challenges. Here’s a clear look at who Brunson Green is and the life they built together.
Table of Contents
Who Is Brunson Green?
Brunson Green is an accomplished Hollywood film producer and the president of Harbinger Pictures in Los Angeles. Born in Mississippi in November 1967, he has worked in the industry for nearly three decades. His most recognized credit is the 2011 film The Help, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. Green has also produced projects such as Pretty Ugly People, A United Kingdom, and Walking Out.
Known for a low-key presence compared to the high-profile sports world, Green brought a steady, creative energy into Collins’ life after the former center’s playing days. Friends and colleagues often describe him as supportive and private, focused on storytelling both on screen and in his personal relationships.
How Jason Collins and Brunson Green Met and Built Their Relationship
Collins and Green first crossed paths in mid-2013 at a housewarming party, not long after Collins publicly came out. At the time Collins was dating someone else, so the connection stayed friendly. They reconnected a few months later once Collins was single again. Green left for Europe the next day, and Collins found himself asking friends in Los Angeles about “this guy.” That curiosity sparked something real.
Their relationship began in earnest around 2014, shortly after Collins retired from the NBA following a final season with the Brooklyn Nets. Over the next decade they kept their private life relatively low-key while remaining a steady presence for each other. In 2023 the couple got engaged during a Los Angeles Lakers Pride Night event—a fitting moment that blended Collins’ sports roots with their shared commitment.
Their Marriage and Shared Life
After more than ten years together, Jason Collins and Brunson Green married in May 2025 during an intimate outdoor ceremony in Austin, Texas. Close friends and family attended, including The Help star Octavia Spencer and former teammate Richard Jefferson. Collins later described the day as “perfect,” calling Green the love of his life.
The couple did not have children. They focused on their partnership, careers, and advocacy for greater inclusion in sports and beyond. Collins continued speaking about authenticity and opportunity for LGBTQ+ athletes, while Green remained a quiet pillar of support.
Key facts at a glance:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Husband’s full name | Brunson Green (also referred to as William Green in some records) |
| Profession | Film producer, President of Harbinger Pictures |
| Notable work | The Help (Oscar-nominated) |
| Relationship start | Around 2014 |
| Engagement | 2023, Lakers Pride Night |
| Marriage | May 2025, Austin, Texas |
| Children | None |
| Jason Collins’ passing | May 2026, age 47, Stage 4 glioblastoma |
Support Through Challenges and Lasting Impact
In late 2025 Collins revealed a diagnosis of Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Green stood by him throughout treatment and the difficult months that followed. Collins passed away in May 2026 at age 47. His family statement remembered him as a beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle whose courage changed lives.
Even after his death, details of Collins’ estate showed continued care for family, Green, and LGBTQ+ causes. The partnership that began with a simple introduction at a party became a model of quiet strength and loyalty.
- Collins came out while still an active NBA player, opening doors for others.
- Green’s film background offered a different creative world that complemented Collins’ athletic one.
- Their decade-plus relationship showed that lasting love often grows steadily rather than in the spotlight.
- Friends consistently noted the genuine warmth and mutual respect between them.
Conclusion
Jason Collins’ husband, Brunson Green, was far more than a supporting figure in a groundbreaking sports story. He was a partner who shared everyday life, celebrated milestones, and provided strength during the hardest chapter. Their relationship—from a chance meeting in 2013 to marriage in 2025—reminds us that authenticity and commitment matter deeply, whether on the court or off it. Collins’ legacy as a trailblazer lives on, and so does the example of the life he and Green built together with honesty and care.