Former Wake Forest and NBA forward Rodney Rogers dies aged 54
Rodney Rogers
November 2025
Former Wake Forest star and 12-year NBA veteran Rodney Rogers has died at 54 from natural causes linked to his long-standing spinal cord injury, ending a 17-year period of paralysis that he used to inspire others through advocacy and foundation work. The ex-ACC Player of the Year and 2000 Sixth Man of the Year, whose No. 54 jersey was retired by Wake Forest, spent his post-accident years promoting resilience for people with spinal injuries, earning a Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary degree as former coaches and teammates hailed his strength and character.