The center signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets and became the first openly gay active athlete in any of the major American professional sports.
The 35-year old revealed in late April 2013 that he is gay, yet he went unsigned through the rest of the offseason and the first half of the actual season.
"The decision to sign Jason was a basketball decision," general manager Billy King said in a statement. "We needed to increase our depth inside, and with his experience and size, we felt he was the right choice for a 10-day contract."
Still, off the court, an outpouring of support for Collins has been dominating Twitter. A few famous examples include:
Jesse Tyler Ferguson: I know nothing about basketball but i know that I am very excited for @jasoncollins34! The Nets sure are lucky to have him.
Andy Cohen: can't wait to watch @jasoncollins34 play for the Nets tonight! #History
Sarah Michelle Gellar: .@jasoncollins34 So excited for you and so extremely proud. You are the real kind of super hero. I am officially rooting @BrooklynNets
Justin Mikita: Congrats to my friend @jasoncollins34 on the Nets news!
Earlier this month, NFL prospect Michael Sam also came out as gay, with these athletes joining the following celebrity company: