NBA news: Rodney Rogers, former Sixth Man of the Year, dead at 54
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Former NBA and Wake Forest star Rodney Rogers has died at the age of 54, the university announced Saturday.
In the announcement, his wife, Faye, said Rogers died of natural causes related to a spinal cord injury he suffered in 2008.
Rogers 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, Rogers became a Wake Forest legend during his college days.
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Rodney Rogers of the Phoenix Suns receives the Sixth Man Award during the first round of the NBA Playoffs at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona on May 2, 2000. (Tom Hauck/Allsport)
Faye Rogers said in a statement: “NBA legend Rodney Rogers, who played in the league for 12 years, passed away on November 21, 2025, from natural causes due to the spinal cord injury he suffered on November 28, 2008.” he said.
“The last 18 years have been both challenging and extremely fruitful. Rodney remained light, positive, motivated, and filled with a quiet strength that inspired everyone around him. Our family also wishes to express our deep gratitude for the unwavering support of our Wake Forest and NBA families over the years. Your care, presence, and kindness have carried us further than you may know. We ask that you respect our family’s privacy during this time of recovery. More information will be shared as it becomes available.”
Rogers was injured in a dirt bike accident while biking with friends the day after Thanksgiving. to WRAL.com.
Rogers was named ACC Freshman of the Year in 1991 after leading the team to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1984. He was named first team All-ACC in 1992 and 1993.
After leading Wake Forest to the Sweet 16 in 1993, Rogers was named ACC Player of the Year and became a first-team All-American. Rogers is the only Wake Forest player and the seventh ACC player overall to be named both ACC Freshman of the Year and ACC Player of the Year.
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Rodney Rogers of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons attempts a pass against the Maryland Terrapins at Cole Field House in College Park, Maryland, January 16, 1993. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Rogers is a member of the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame.
After his illustrious college career, the Denver Nuggets selected Rogers with the 9th overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft.
In 866 games during his 12-year NBA career, Rogers averaged 10.9 points, 2.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. He played for the Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix 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. he said.
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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 on September 19, 2009 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Brian A. Westerholt/Getty Images)
“He will be remembered not only for his achievements on the field, but also for the extraordinary resilience, courage and generosity he displayed throughout his life, qualities that inspired so many.”
Despite being paralyzed, Rogers’ unwavering perseverance and positive outlook led Wake Forest to recognize him as the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, one of the highest honors the school offers.
Rogers is survived by his wife, Faye, and three children: daughters Roddreka and Rydeiah, and son Rodney Rogers II.
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