In a devastating and emotional tribute, Ayda Field, wife of Robbie Williams, has opened her heart following the loss of her “best friend,” Jason Collins. The former NBA star, who made history as the first male professional athlete in any major U.S. sport to come out as gay, passed away earlier this week at the age of 47 after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
For Ayda, the loss is more than just the passing of a friend; it’s the end of an era, a chapter in her life that can never be rewritten. Sharing a poignant picture of herself with Jason, towering over her with his 7ft frame, Ayda poured her heart out, writing, “My incredible friend, Jason Collins, has passed away.” But it was her raw and vulnerable words that resonated deeply.
“Where do I begin?” Ayda asked, her grief palpable. “How do you say goodbye to a best friend when you are not ready to? What happens when a beautiful life is gone too soon, and you still have so much more you want to share with them?” These words alone left fans across the world reeling, understanding the emotional pain of losing a friend who felt like family.
From High School Memories to NBA Glory: A Friendship That Defined Love and Laughter
Ayda’s tribute beautifully captured the essence of Jason Collins—not just as an athlete, but as a friend, a mentor, and an incredible human being. She recalled their happiest memories from high school, memories filled with laughter, adventure, and shared moments of joy. “Every single one of those memories involves Jason and his twin brother, Jarron. They are my happy place; a place in my heart that is untouchable,” Ayda reminisced.
She painted a picture of their youthful years, filled with the simple pleasures of going to the movies, getting late-night cookies from Dee Dee Reese, and cheering on Jason and Jarron at basketball games. Even when Jason dominated her at tennis, it wasn’t the score that mattered. “The conversations afterwards were the real win for me,” Ayda said, revealing the true depth of their bond.
But what stood out the most was how Ayda described Jason’s heart—towering even higher than his physical stature. “The biggest thing about Jason was always his heart… the way he cared for his friends, his family, his teammates, and the world around him,” Ayda wrote.
A Trailblazer, A Hero: Jason Collins’ Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten
As Jason grew older, life took them on different paths. But Ayda’s admiration for him never wavered. She shared how proud she was to watch Jason’s incredible rise to fame, especially as he became the first active NBA player to publicly come out as gay. “His courage and grace were every bit as extraordinary as his giant heart,” Ayda wrote, her words filled with pride and love for her friend’s bravery.
Jason’s legacy will forever be one of strength and authenticity. “Cheering on a best friend like Jason was always very easy,” Ayda said, her voice filled with the admiration that only true friendship can inspire.
The Last Goodbye: A Moment That Will Stay With Her Forever
In the most emotional part of her tribute, Ayda shared the heartbreaking details of their last meeting. “The last time I saw him, I had the privilege of reminiscing about old memories and telling him how much I loved him,” she recalled. “While my heart was breaking at the thought of saying goodbye, Jason was once again the courageous one, the inspiration. He lifted his hand and gave me the biggest thumbs up.”
That moment, filled with Jason’s eternal strength and kindness, will stay with Ayda forever. “It was profoundly beautiful, and it will stay with me forever. Jason, I’m giving you an infinite thumbs up right back,” she said, her words a final tribute to a man whose spirit will never fade.
Ayda ended her post with a heartfelt message to Jason’s husband, Brunson Green, offering her deepest condolences. And she reminded the world of the extraordinary nature of their friendship: “You have been, and always will be, the kind of friend people are lucky to find once in a lifetime.”
Jason Collins was not just an athlete; he was a trailblazer, a friend, and an inspiration. And while his physical presence may be gone, his legacy—his heart, his courage, and his love for those who were fortunate enough to know him—will live on forever.
Rest in peace, Jason. The world is a little dimmer without you, but your light will continue to shine through those whose lives you touched.
