Rodney Rogers dies at 54: NBA star remembered for ‘great legacy’

previous NBA Star Rodney Rogers Died at the age of 54.

one Press release Rogers’ alma mater, Wake Forest University, confirmed that Rogers died Friday, Nov. 21, of natural causes from a spinal injury sustained in 2008. He is survived by his wife; Faye Rogersand three children: daughters Roddreka and Rydeiah and son Rodney Rogers II. (Rodreca is currently an assistant coach for the Georgia State women’s basketball team, while Ridea played basketball at North Carolina State University from 2015 to 2019.)

In November 2008, Rogers was involved in an ATV accident near Raleigh, North Carolina, when he accidentally drove into a ditch and rolled over the handlebars, leaving him paralyzed from the shoulders down.

“Rodney Rogers, an NBA legend who played in the league for 12 years, passed away on November 21, 2025, due to a spinal cord injury he suffered on November 28, 2008,” his family said in a statement released by Wake Forest University. “He made his transition peacefully, surrounded by the endless love of his devoted wife, Faye.”

They continued the tribute, “A native of Durham, North Carolina, Rodgers leaves a noble legacy as one of the most transformative players in program history and an enduring example of courage, generosity and humanitarianism.”

In 1990, he joined the Wake Forest University basketball team and was eventually named the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year and first-team All-American in his final season.

“From the moment he signed his letter of intent in the fall of 1989, Rodney Rogers changed and accelerated the upward trajectory of Wake Forest University and the Demon Deacons basketball program,” said former Wake Forest athletic director, John Currieexplain. “His combination of strength and grace as a player was surpassed only by the size of his heart. His perseverance and spirit following his accident inspired thousands and exemplified what Pro Humanitate is truly about. Rodney showed us the power of every chapter of life. Our hearts are with Faye, Roddreka, Rodney II, Rydiah and the entire Rogers family.”

When he turned pro in 1993, he was drafted ninth overall by the Denver Nuggets and went on to play for several NBA teams, including four years with the Los Angeles Clippers. In 2000, Rodgers won the prestigious Sixth Man of the Year award while playing for the Phoenix Suns.

In the following years, Rogers played for the New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, and finally the Philadelphia 76ers before leaving the league in 2005.

NBA Make a statement Saturday, Nov. 22, to honor Rodgers for his unforgettable contributions to the game of basketball.

“The NBA family is deeply saddened by the passing of Rodney Rogers. Rodney won the Sixth Man of the Year Award while playing for the Phoenix Suns and was a beloved teammate throughout his 12-year NBA career,” the NBA statement read. “He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the court, but also for the extraordinary resilience, courage and generosity he displayed throughout his life – qualities that inspired so many. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Rodney’s wife, Faye, and their family.”

Related: NBA commissioner Adam Silver comments for first time since gambling accusations

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has made his first public comments on the gambling scandal that has engulfed the league this week. “Nothing is more important to the league and its fans than the integrity of the game,” Silver said during the NBA’s pregame Prime broadcast on Friday, Oct. 24. “So I have a hole(…)

former wake forest coach Dave Odom Rogers recalled that he was an “extraordinary genius” who was “as remarkable as human beings can be.”

“He loved his teammates, he loved his family, he loved Wake Forest, he loved the game of basketball,” Odom recalled. “Every time we visited him, I would walk away reminding myself to never complain – because he never did.”

Odom continued, “He faced life with precision and made the most of every moment. As a basketball player, he was a joy to watch, but he was a greater person. He shared his strength, his spirit and his life with everyone around him.”