Jason Collins Number and Career Overview
Jason Collins wore jersey number 98 throughout his NBA career, a number he chose to honor Matthew Shepard, the victim of a 1998 hate crime. Collins played as a center for multiple teams including the Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks again. His jersey number became a symbol of advocacy and visibility in professional sports.
Collins was drafted 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2001 NBA Draft. Over his 13-season career, he averaged 3.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game. His career field goal percentage was 53.4%, reflecting his role as a defensive specialist and rebounder rather than a primary scorer.
Jason Collins Number in Context of NBA History
The number 98 is one of the most distinctive jersey numbers in NBA history, largely due to Collins' association with it. He is the only player in NBA history to wear 98 as a primary jersey number in regular season games. The NBA does not officially retire numbers across the league, but Collins' choice of 98 has become permanently linked to his identity and advocacy.
Collins' number gained additional cultural significance when he came out as gay in April 2013, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ athlete to play in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues. His decision to wear 98 and his public announcement were both deliberate acts of visibility. The story was widely covered by major outlets including Forbes, which detailed the impact of his coming out on the sports world.
Jason Collins Contract, Earnings, and Post-NBA Legacy
Collins earned a total of approximately $43 million in NBA salary over his career, with his largest contract being a four-year, $16 million deal with the Boston Celtics in 2010. He signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014, becoming the first openly gay player in the NBA at that time. His career earnings reflect a solid, if not superstar-level, tenure in the league.
After retiring from the NBA in 2014, Collins has focused on advocacy and public speaking. He has been recognized by organizations including the Human Rights Campaign and has been featured in media outlets such as ESPN and The New York Times. His legacy extends beyond basketball statistics, with his number 98 representing a milestone for LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional sports. His story is documented in detail on his official biography pages and sports archives.