Former NBA Star Rodney Rogers Dies at 54: ‘He Leaves Behind a Towering Legacy’

Former NBA star Rodney Rogers has died. He was 54.

On Saturday, Nov. 22, Wake Forest University confirmed that the NBA Sixth Man of the Year died on Friday, Nov. 21.

“Rodney Rogers, an NBA legend who played 12 years in the league, passed away on November 21, 2025, from natural causes related to the spinal cord injury he sustained on November 28, 2008,” his family said in a statement shared by the university via a news release.

“He made his transition peacefully, surrounded by the endless love of his devoted wife, Faye,” the family’s statement continued. “Rodney leaves behind his beloved wife, Faye Rogers; his daughters, Roddreka and Rydiah; his sons, Rodney II, Devonte Rogers, and Eric Hipilito — whom he embraced as a son; and his mother, Estelle Spencer.”

“A native of Durham, N.C., Rogers leaves behind a towering legacy as one of the most transformative players in program history and an enduring example of courage, generosity, and Pro Humanitate spirit,” Wake Forest added in the release.

Rogers began his college career in Winston-Salem, N.C., in 1991, earning ACC Freshman of the Year honors and leading the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to the NCAA Tournament. He was named ACC Player of the Year and a First Team All-American in 1993.

That same year, he was selected No. 9 overall by the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Draft. During his professional career, he spent time with seven different NBA franchises, including the Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers.

During the 1999-2000 season, while he was with the Suns, he was honored as the NBA Sixth Man of the Year and averaged 13.8 points on 48.6 percent shooting, playing all games that season.

After helping to lead the Nets to the 2003 Eastern Conference Championship, Rogers spent one season in New Orleans before being traded to the 76ers. He retired in 2005.

Rogers’ college jersey, No. 54, was retired in February 1996.

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In 2008, Rogers was paralyzed from the shoulders down in an ATV accident. He went on to establish the Rodney Rogers Foundation to support individuals living with spinal injuries.

“His generational combination of power and grace as a player was exceeded only by the size of his heart,” Wake Forest Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie said in the university’s release. “His perseverance and spirit following his accident inspired thousands and embodied the true meaning of Pro Humanitate.”

“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,” former head coach Dave Odom added. “He loved his teammates, he loved his family, he loved Wake Forest and he loved the game of basketball.”

“Every time we visited him, I walked away reminding myself never to complain — because he never did,” Odom said. “He faced life exactly as it came and made the very best of every moment. He was a joy to watch as a basketball player, but he was an even greater man. He shared his strength, his spirit and his life with everyone around him.”

“The last 18 years have been both challenging and profoundly blessed. Through every moment, Rodney remained a light — positive, motivated and full of the quiet strength that inspired everyone around him,” Rogers’ family added in their statement.

“Our family would also like to express our deep gratitude for the unwavering support from our Wake Forest and NBA families over the years,” the family continued, requesting privacy following his death. “Your care, presence and kindness carried us more than you know.”