Rodney Rogers, the former Wake Forest University standout and NBA veteran known for his powerful athleticism and resilience, died Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at age 54. The National Basketball Players Association announced Saturday that Rogers died of natural causes linked to the spinal cord injury he sustained in an ATV accident on Nov. 28, 2008, which left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.
“The last 17 years have been both challenging and profoundly blessed,” the NBPA statement said on behalf of Rogers’ family. “Through every moment, Rodney remained a light — positive, motivated, and full of the quiet strength that inspired everyone around him.”
Rogers’ basketball career began at Wake Forest, where he earned Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year honors in 1991. The 6-foot-7 forward quickly established himself as one of the most dominant players in college basketball, earning the nickname “Durham Bull” during his prep career in Durham, North Carolina. He capped his collegiate achievements by winning ACC Player of the Year and First Team All-American honors in 1993. His No. 54 jersey was retired by the Demon Deacons in February 1996, cementing his legacy as one of the program’s greatest players.
The Denver Nuggets selected Rogers with the ninth overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft. Over his 12-season professional career, he played for seven teams: the Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers. His versatility as a forward made him a valuable asset throughout his time in the league.
Rogers achieved his greatest professional success during the 1999-2000 season with the Phoenix Suns, averaging 13.8 points per game and earning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. This honor recognized his exceptional contributions coming off the bench, a role that requires both skill and selflessness. Throughout his NBA career, he averaged 10.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, accumulating nearly 9,500 career points.
Beyond individual accolades, Rogers contributed to team success across the league. He helped the New Jersey Nets reach the Eastern Conference title in 2003, demonstrating his value as a veteran presence during playoff runs. He retired from professional basketball in 2005 after more than a decade of competing at the highest level.
The 2008 accident that left Rogers paralyzed marked a turning point in his life, but he refused to let it define him negatively. Instead, he established the Rodney Rogers Foundation to support individuals living with spinal cord injuries, using his platform to promote resilience and personal growth in the face of profound challenges. His advocacy work demonstrated the same determination he displayed on the basketball court.
Wake Forest University honored Rogers’ continued impact by presenting him with its Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022, along with an honorary degree. These recognitions acknowledged both his athletic achievements and his contributions to the community following his injury.
Dave Odom, Rogers’ former coach at Wake Forest, reflected on his player’s character in a statement released by the school. “It’s easy to focus on his extraordinary talent, but what stood out to everyone who knew him was that he was every bit as remarkable as a human being,” Odom said. He added that Rogers loved his teammates, family, Wake Forest and the game of basketball, and that Rogers faced life exactly as it came and made the best of every moment.
Former teammate Randolph Childress emphasized Rogers’ physical and mental strength in his own tribute. He described Rogers as the strongest person he had ever met and called him the best athlete ever to walk onto Wake Forest’s campus. Childress noted that he had been with Rogers the day before his death, underscoring the lasting bonds formed during their time together.
Wake Forest Vice President and Director of Athletics John Currie spoke to Rogers’ transformative impact on the university’s basketball program. He noted that Rogers accelerated the upward trajectory of Demon Deacons basketball from the moment he signed his letter of intent in the fall of 1989. Currie also highlighted how Rogers’ perseverance following his accident inspired thousands and embodied the university’s motto of service to humanity.
Rogers is survived by his wife, Faye; daughters Roddreka and Rydiah; sons Rodney Rogers II and Devonte; his mother, Estelle Spencer; and Eric Hipilito, whom Rogers embraced as a son. The family requested privacy while expressing gratitude for the support they received from the Wake Forest and NBA communities over the years.
The basketball community’s response to Rogers’ death reflects the profound impact he made both on and off the court. His ability to maintain positivity and inspire others despite facing tremendous physical challenges serves as a testament to his character. The foundation he established continues his mission of supporting those facing similar obstacles, ensuring his legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements.
