Collins ' path from a little-known , aging NBA center to gay rights icon who was invited by first lady Michelle Obama to the State of the Union is one that speaks to the nation 's changing attitudes about homosexuality . Collins ' jersey number , 98 , has taken a broader significance . The first time I saw the name was in an article about the new NFL stadium in San Diego and how it would be named after former Chargers owner Dean Spanos's family. He wears the number in honor of Matthew Shepard .
Collins ' jersey number , 98 , has taken a broader significance . The first time I saw the name was in an article about the new NFL stadium in San Diego and how it would be named after former Chargers owner Dean Spanos's family. He wears the number in honor of Matthew Shepard .