Rodney Rogers, Wake Forest Legend and NBA Sixth Man, Dies at 54

Wake Forest University and the basketball world are mourning the loss of Rodney Rogers. The former All-American and NBA standout passed away on November 21, 2025. He was 54 years old. His death marks the end of a life defined by extraordinary talent and profound resilience.

Rogers’ legacy spans his transformative college career and a dozen years in the NBA. Following a 2008 accident that left him paralyzed, he became a powerful advocate for spinal cord injury research and support.

A Collegiate Force and Program-Changing Talent

Rogers arrived at Wake Forest in 1990 from Durham, North Carolina. He immediately reversed the team’s fortunes. The powerful forward ended a seven-year NCAA Tournament drought his first season.

His impact earned him ACC Freshman of the Year. Rogers’ dominance continued to grow over three seasons. He was named the ACC Player of the Year and a First Team All-American in 1993. According to Wake Forest University Athletics, he remains the only Demon Deacon to win both the ACC Freshman and Player of the Year awards.

NBA Career and Life After Basketball

The Denver Nuggets selected Rogers with the ninth overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft. His professional career spanned 12 seasons with six different teams. Rogers was a versatile and reliable contributor known for his toughness.

He averaged 10.9 points per game over his career. His finest professional moment came in 2000. He earned the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award while playing for the Phoenix Suns. Rogers retired from the league in 2005.

A Legacy of Resilience and Service

In 2008, Rogers was paralyzed in an off-road vehicle accident. The life-changing injury could have broken his spirit. Instead, he channeled his energy into helping others. He founded the Rodney Rogers Foundation to support individuals with spinal cord injuries.

His work promoted independence and hope. Wake Forest University honored his service with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2022. The university cited his embodiment of its “Pro Humanitate” motto.

Rodney Rogers will be remembered not just for his power on the court, but for his immense strength of character off it. His legacy as a Wake Forest icon and a beacon of resilience continues to inspire all who knew his story.

Thought you’d like to know

What were Rodney Rogers’ major college basketball honors?

Rodney Rogers was the 1991 ACC Freshman of the Year. He later became the 1993 ACC Player of the Year and a First Team All-American. He is the only Wake Forest player to achieve both the freshman and player of the year honors.

What NBA award did Rodney Rogers win?

He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2000. He earned this honor while playing for the Phoenix Suns. It recognized him as the league’s top reserve player that season.

What happened to Rodney Rogers after his NBA career?

He was paralyzed following a 2008 accident. Rogers then founded his own foundation to assist others with spinal cord injuries. He became a prominent advocate for the community.

How is Rodney Rogers connected to the Wake Forest community today?

His jersey, No. 54, is retired and hangs in the Joel Coliseum. The university awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2022 for his humanitarian work. He is remembered as a program-changing figure.

What was the cause of Rodney Rogers’ death?

The official cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. He passed away at the age of 54. His passing was announced by Wake Forest University.

Trusted Sources

Wake Forest University Athletics, Associated Press, ESPN