Rodney Rogers, a beloved 12-year NBA veteran and former Wake Forest standout, passed away on November 21 at the age of 54. His death, confirmed by the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), is attributed to natural causes connected to the spinal cord injury he suffered in a serious ATV accident in 2008.
Drafted ninth overall in 1993 after a stellar college career, Rogers played for seven NBA teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Nets, and Boston Celtics.
During his time with the Suns, he earned the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2000, averaging 13.8 points per game that season.
At Wake Forest, Rogers was a force — earning ACC Rookie of the Year honors in 1991 and ACC Player of the Year in 1993. His No. 54 jersey was later retired by the Demon Deacons.
After his NBA career, Rogers faced one of his greatest challenges when he was paralyzed from the shoulders down following the 2008 accident.
Despite this, he became a symbol of hope and strength, founding the Rodney Rogers Foundation to support people with spinal cord injuries.
In a statement, the NBPA praised his positive spirit: “Through every moment, Rodney remained a light — positive, motivated, and full of the quiet strength that inspired everyone around him.”
Wake Forest University also paid tribute, highlighting not just his talent on the court but his “courage, generosity and Pro Humanitate spirit” off it.
Rogers is survived by his wife, Faye; daughters Roddreka and Rydeiah; sons Rodney II and Devonte; his mother, Estelle Spencer; and Eric Hipilito, whom he embraced as a son.
