NBA news: Rodney Rogers, former Sixth Man of the Year, dead at 54

Former NBA and Wake Forest star Rodney Rogers has died at the age of 54, the university announced Saturday.

Rogers died of natural causes related to a spinal cord injury he suffered in 2008, his wife, Faye, said in the release.

Rogers played in the NBA for 12 seasons and was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in the 1999-2000 season. Prior to his NBA career, Rogers became a Wake Forest legend while in college.

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Rodney Rogers of the Phoenix Suns receives his Sixth Man Award during the first round of the NBA Playoffs at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, May 2, 2000. (Tom Hauck/Allsport)

“Rodney Rogers, an NBA legend who played 12 years in the league, died on November 21, 2025 of natural causes related to a spinal cord injury he suffered on November 28, 2008,” Faye Rogers said in a statement.

“The last 18 years have been both difficult and deeply blessed. In every moment, Rodney has remained a light – positive, driven and full of the quiet strength that inspired everyone around him. Our family would also like 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 through more than you know. We ask that you please respect our family’s privacy during this healing time. Further information will be shared as it becomes available.”

Rogers was injured in a dirt bike accident while riding with friends the day after Thanksgiving, according to WRAL.com.

Rogers was named an ACC Freshman of the Year in 1991 after leading the team to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1984. He was selected to the All-ACC First Team in 1992 and 1993.

In 1993, after leading Wake Forest to the Sweet 16, Rogers was named ACC Player of the Year and a first-team All-American. Rogers is the only Wake Forest player, and only the seventh ACC player overall, to be named both an ACC Freshman and ACC Player of the Year.

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Rodney Rogers of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons looks to pass the ball against the Maryland Terrapins at Cole Field House in College Park, Maryland on 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 9th overall in the 1993 NBA draft.

In 866 games during a 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.

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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 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, September 19, 2009. (Brian A. Westerholt/Getty Images)

“He will be remembered not only for his exploits on the field, but also for the extraordinary resilience, courage and generosity he demonstrated throughout his life – qualities that inspired so many.”

Rogers’ unwavering perseverance and positive attitude despite his paralysis led Wake Forest to award him the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award, one of the highest honors offered by the school.

Rogers is survived by his wife, Faye, and three children: daughters Roddreka and Rydeiah and son Rodney Rogers II.

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