November 23, 2025
The famed NBA Sixth Man spent the remainder of his life advocating for these with spinal twine accidents following his personal paralysis.
A famed NBA sixth man and advocate for paralysis victims, Rodney Rogers, has died at age 54.
Rogers was recognized for his efficiency throughout his skilled and collegiate profession. After taking part in and revolutionizing his basketball program at Wake Forest, Rogers was drafted to the NBA in 1993. Inside his 12-year profession, Rogers grew to become an integral part of a group’s general roster. In accordance with The Grio, the small ahead secured a Sixth Man Of the 12 months honor in 2000.
Previous to his position on groups such because the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns, he stormed onto the Wake Forest Basketball squad. Getting them into the NCAA match, he earned the ACC Freshman of 12 months, ACC Participant of the 12 months, and First Group All-American throughout his three-year stint on the North Carolina establishment.
Whereas a higher drive within the collegiate realm, Rogers nonetheless maintained his prowess within the NBA. The tremendous reserve performed all 82 video games in his first season with the Suns, whereas additionally serving to the then-New Jersey Nets reached the NBA Finals in 2003.
Nonetheless, he stays an instrumental determine in Wake Forest basketball historical past. The college honored his legacy upon the information of his passing. The Division 1 program additionally retired his jersey variety of #54.
We grieve the passing of Rodney Rogers, 2022 Distinguished Alumni award winner and @WakeMBB legend.
Rodney impressed us on the courtroom as ACC Rookie of the 12 months, ACC Participant of the 12 months and NBA Sixth Man of the 12 months. After a life-changing accident in 2008 that left him paralyzed… pic.twitter.com/U7G09VrEOx
— Wake Forest College (@WakeForest) November 22, 2025
“Rodney Rogers remodeled and accelerated the upward trajectory of Wake Forest College in addition to Demon Deacons basketball from the second he signed,” Wake Forest’s athletic director John Currie stated in a press release. “His energy, his grace, and much more so, his coronary heart, modified this college ceaselessly. His perseverance after his accident impressed hundreds. Rodney confirmed us what actual power appears to be like like.”
Past basketball, a life-changing incident modified the course of Rogers’ life and legacy. In 2008, an ATV accident left Rogers paralyzed from the shoulders down. Remaining undefeated, the athlete launched the Rodney Rogers Basis to assist others keep inspired whereas coping with paralysis.
Thought of a hero in his group and faculty hoops, Rogers stays a pivotal determine for his athletic achievement and subsequent years serving to others stay sturdy via their spinal twine accidents.
“It’s simple to speak about his expertise — and it was extraordinary — however what made Rodney unforgettable was how deeply he liked: his teammates, his household, Wake Forest, the sport,” stated Former Wake Forest head coach, Dave Odom. “He by no means complained. He confronted life because it got here and made essentially the most of each second. Watching him play was a pleasure, however understanding him was the actual privilege.”
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