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Former NBA and Wake Forest star Rodney Rogers 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 a statement.
Rodgers played in the NBA for 12 seasons and was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year for the 1999–2000 season. Before his NBA career, Rodgers was a player Wake Forest a legend in his student years.
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Rodney Rogers (54) of the Phoenix Suns receives the Sixth Man Award during a first-round NBA Western Conference playoff game against the San Antonio Spurs at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona on May 2, 2000. (Tom Hauck/Allsport)
“Rodney Rogers, an NBA legend who played 12 years in the league, passed away on November 21, 2025 from natural causes related to a spinal cord injury he suffered on November 28, 2008,” Faye Rogers said in a statement.
“The last 18 years have been both difficult and deeply blessed. In every moment, Rodney remained a bright light – positive, motivated and full of a quiet strength that inspired everyone around him. Our family would also like to express our deep gratitude for the unwavering support from our Wake Forest and NBA families over the years. Your care, presence and kindness have benefited us more than you know. We kindly ask that you respect our family's privacy during this time of healing. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.”
Rogers said he was injured in a motorcycle accident while riding with friends the day after Thanksgiving. on WRAL.com.
Rogers was named ACC Freshman of the Year in 1991 after leading the team to NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1984. He was selected to the All-ACC first team in both 1992 and 1993.
In 1993, after Wake Forest reached the Sweet 16, Rodgers was named ACC Player of the Year and a first-team All-American. Rodgers is the only Wake Forest player and just the seventh ACC player to be named both ACC Freshman of the Year and ACC Player of the Year.
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Rodney Rogers, 54, of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons tries 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 Leighton/Getty Images)
Rogers is a member of the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame.
After a brilliant college career Denver Nuggets selected Rodgers 9th overall in the 1993 NBA draft.
In 866 games during his 12-year NBA career, Rodgers averaged 10.9 points per game, 2.0 assists per game and 4.5 rebounds per game. He played for the Nuggets Los Angeles ClippersPhoenix 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 Rogers 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 persistence and positive attitude despite being paralyzed led Wake Forest to honor him as the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award, one of the highest honors the school offers.
Rogers is survived by his wife Faye and three children: daughter Roddreka, son Rodney Rogers II and daughter Rydia.
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