🏀 NBA Community Mourns: Sixth Man of the Year Rodney Rogers Dies at 54
🏀 NBA Community Mourns: Sixth Man of the Year Rodney Rogers Dies at 54
The basketball world is mourning the loss of former NBA Sixth Man of the Year and Wake Forest University legend Rodney Rogers, who died on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the age of 54.
Rogers' family confirmed in a statement shared by the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and Wake Forest University that his death was due to natural causes related to the spinal cord injury he sustained in a life-altering accident in 2008.
"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," the statement read on behalf of his wife, Faye, and his family.
"Through every moment, Rodney remained a light — positive, motivated, and full of the quiet strength that inspired everyone around him."
I. A Career of Power and Versatility
Rodney Rogers, nicknamed "The Durham Bull" for his relentless style of play, forged a highly respected, 12-year career in the NBA after a phenomenal college run.
Wake Forest Legend
Born in Durham, North Carolina, the burly 6-foot-7 forward was a cornerstone of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons program in the early 1990s:
1991: Named ACC Rookie of the Year.
1993: Capped his college career by earning ACC Player of the Year and Consensus Second-team All-American honors.
His No. 54 jersey remains retired in the rafters of Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
NBA Sixth Man of the Year
Rogers was selected 9th overall in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets.
1999-2000 Season: While playing for the Phoenix Suns, Rogers had his most decorated season, winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award.
He averaged a career-high 13.8 points and 5.5 rebounds that season, shooting a remarkable 43.9% from the three-point line. Playoff Runs: He was a vital veteran presence on the New Jersey Nets team that reached the 2003 Eastern Conference Finals.
Career Totals: Rogers retired in 2005 with a career average of 10.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
II. The Injury and The Indomitable Spirit
Rogers' professional career ended in 2005, but his legacy of courage was truly defined by the resilience he showed following a life-altering accident.
The 2008 Accident
In November 2008, Rogers was left paralyzed from the shoulders down after a dirt bike accident in North Carolina.
Adversity to Advocacy
Despite the devastating injury, Rogers refused to withdraw from public life. He channeled his energy into advocacy, establishing the Rodney Rogers Foundation to support individuals living with spinal cord injuries.
Wake Forest Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie praised this chapter of his life:
"His generational combination of power and grace as a player was exceeded only by the size of his heart. His perseverance and spirit following his accident inspired thousands and embodied the true meaning of Pro Humanitate (Wake Fo
rest's motto: For Humanity)."
In recognition of his impact, Wake Forest University presented him with a Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2022.
III. Tributes From Around the League
Tributes poured in from former teams, teammates, and the NBA community, highlighting not only his athletic skill but his infectious positivity.
NBA Statement: "He will be remembered not only for his achievements on the court but also for the extraordinary resilience, courage and generosity that he demonstrated throughout his life — qualities that inspired so many."
NBPA Ex
ecutive Director Andre Iguodala: "Rodney maintained his warm and welcoming presence throughout his time in the league and even after his tragic accident in 2008... I am honored that I had the privilege to personally experience his joy."
Rogers is survived by his wife, Faye, his daughters Roddreka and Rydiah, and his sons Rodney II and Devonte.
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