Rodney Rogers, a former NBA star, has passed away. He was 54.
According to ESPN, Rogers passed from natural causes linked to his spinal cord injury. He was paralyzed from the shoulders down after a dirt bike accident in November 2008.
Andre Igudala, president of the National Basketball Players Association, released a statement paying tribute to Rogers.
Igudala wrote, ”I was fortunate to play alongside him for one of those during my rookie year with the 76ers. He was a consistent force on the court, highlighted by his Sixth Man of the Year Award. And his incredible longevity in the league.”
“Rodney maintained his warm and welcoming presence throughout his time in the league. Even after his tragic accident in 2008, which left him paralyzed. I am honored that I had the privilege to personally experience his joy.”
Remembering Rodney Rogers (1971-2025) pic.twitter.com/7jrOEnKO8N
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) November 23, 2025
The NBPA family and I send our heartfelt condolences to Rodney’s wife, Faye; their children, Roddreka, Rydiah, Rodney II, Devonte, and Eric.”
Rogers, who played for Wake Forest, was the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year in 1991. He was a part of the college national team that defeated the “Dream Team” in a scrimmage. In 1993, the Demon Deacons also named Rogers Player of the Year. Known as the “Durham Bull,” they retired his No. 54 jersey.
Wake Forest honored Rogers with its Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022. He also received an honorary degree.
The Denver Nuggets selected him as the ninth overall pick in the 1993 draft.. He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2000 while playing for the Phoenix Suns. Rogers averaged $13.8$ points and $5.5$ rebounds per game coming off the bench. He played for seven different franchises before retiring in 2005. Over his career, the 6-foot-7 forward scored nearly 9,500 points, 3,881 rebounds, and 1,722 assists.
Rogers founded the Rodney Rogers Foundation to support people living with spinal cord injuries.
