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Former NBA and Wake Forest star Rodney Rogers has died at age 54, the university announced Saturday.
Rogers died of natural causes related to a spinal cord injury he suffered in 2008, his wife, Faye, said in the announcement.
Rogers played in the NBA for 12 seasons and was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in the 1999-2000 season. Prior to his NBA career, Rogers became a Wake Forest legend during his college days.
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Rodney Rogers (54) of the Phoenix Suns receives his Sixth Man award during the NBA Western Conference Playoffs first round game against the San Antonio Spurs at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 2, 2000. (Tom Hauck/All Sports)
“Rodney Rogers, an NBA legend who played 12 years in the league, passed away on November 21, 2025 of natural causes related to the spinal cord injury he suffered on November 28, 2008,” Faye Rogers said in a statement.
“The past 18 years have been challenging and deeply blessed. In every moment, Rodney remained a light: positive, motivated, and filled with the quiet strength that inspired everyone around him. Our family would also like to express our deep gratitude for the unwavering support of our Wake Forest and NBA families over the years. Your care, presence, and kindness helped us more than you can imagine. We kindly ask that you respect our family’s privacy during this time of healing. More information will be shared as you that is available.”
Rogers suffered the injury in a dirt bike accident while riding with friends the day after Thanksgiving, according to WRAL.com.
Rogers was named ACC Freshman of the Year in 1991 after leading the team to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1984. He was a first-team All-ACC selection in both 1992 and 1993.
In 1993, after leading Wake Forest to the Sweet 16, Rogers was named ACC Player of the Year and a first-team All-American. Rogers is the only Wake Forest player, and just the seventh ACC player, to have been named ACC Freshman of the Year and ACC Player of the Year.
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Rodney Rodgers (54) of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons looks to pass the ball during a college basketball game against the Maryland Terrapins at Cole Field House. The game took place in College Park, Maryland on January 16, 1993. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Rogers is a member of the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame.
Following his illustrious college career, the Denver Nuggets selected Rogers with the ninth overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft.
In 866 games over his 12-year NBA career, Rogers averaged 10.9 points per game, 2.0 assists per game and 4.5 rebounds per game. He played for the Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers.
“The NBA family is deeply saddened by the passing of Rodney Rogers,” the NBA said in a statement posted on social media.
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Former Wake Forest Demon Deacons men’s basketball coach Dave Odom (right) talks with former basketball player Rodney Rodgers at BB&T Field. The conversation took place in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on September 19, 2009. (Brian A. Westerholt/Getty Images)
“He will be remembered not only for his achievements on the court but also for the extraordinary resilience, courage and generosity he demonstrated throughout his life, qualities that inspired many.”
Rogers’ unwavering perseverance and positive attitude despite being paralyzed led Wake Forest to award him the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award winner, one of the highest honors the school offers.
Rogers is survived by his wife, Faye, and three children: daughter Roddreka, son Rodney Rodgers II, and daughter Rydeiah.
