Nationwide — Former NBA forward Rodney Rogers, a beloved 54-year-old basketball star from Durham, North Carolina, has passed away, according to an announcement from Wake Forest University, where he first rose to national prominence. Rogers, remembered for his powerful playing style, his resilience after paralysis, and his impact on the Black community, enjoyed both a standout college career and a 12-year NBA run before a life-altering accident changed his path.
According to TMZ, Rogers’ wife, Faye, issued a statement through the university’s athletic department confirming that he died peacefully on Friday, surrounded by loved ones. While she did not disclose his cause of death, she emphasized his extraordinary strength—recounting how he remained upbeat, encouraging, and full of joy even after becoming paralyzed from the shoulders down following an ATV accident in 2008.
Before the injury that reshaped his life, Rogers had already built a legacy at Wake Forest. He burst onto the national scene during the 1990–91 season, earning ACC Rookie of the Year honors in a class that included future Hall of Famer Grant Hill. By his junior year, he was averaging over 21 points and 7 rebounds per game, ultimately claiming the ACC Player of the Year Award in 1993.
His college achievements paved the way for his selection as the ninth overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets. Rogers went on to enjoy a productive professional career, playing for multiple team,s including the Clippers, Suns, Celtics, Nets, Hornets, and 76ers. His best pro season came in 1999–2000 with Phoenix, where he was named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year.
Everything changed in 2008 when Rogers suffered a tragic ATV crash near Raleigh, North Carolina, overturning into a ditch and sustaining severe spinal injuries. Though he never walked again, he chose to turn his own struggles into purpose. He later founded the Rodney Rogers Foundation, using his voice and platform to support others living with spinal cord injuries and to uplift those facing similar challenges.
Rogers is survived by his wife, Faye, whom he married in 2010; his daughters Roddreka and Rydiah; his sons Rodney II and Devonte Rogers; Eric Hipilito, whom Faye says Rodney embraced as a son; and his mother, Estelle. Loved ones, former teammates, and fans are remembering him not only as a remarkable athlete but as a symbol of perseverance and compassion whose influence extended far beyond the basketball court.