Quick Read
- Rodney Rogers passed away on November 21, 2025, at age 54.
- He was a transformative figure for Wake Forest basketball in the 1990s.
- Rogers earned both ACC Freshman of the Year and ACC Player of the Year honors.
- He played 12 seasons in the NBA, winning NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
- After a 2008 accident left him paralyzed, he founded the Rodney Rogers Foundation to support others with spinal cord injuries.
Rodney Rogers: The Durham Bull Who Changed Wake Forest Basketball
On November 21, 2025, the world of basketball lost one of its most transformative figures. Rodney Rogers, whose name became synonymous with power and perseverance, passed away peacefully at age 54—matching the number he wore on his jersey. For Wake Forest University, and for fans of the sport across the country, Rogers’ death marks the end of an era and the celebration of a remarkable life.
From Durham to National Prominence: Rogers’ Early Years
Born in Durham, North Carolina on June 20, 1971, Rodney Rogers quickly earned the nickname “Durham Bull” for his relentless style and physicality on the court. Arriving at Wake Forest in 1990, he wasted no time in making his mark. As a freshman, Rogers led the Demon Deacons to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1984, ending a seven-year drought and earning ACC Freshman of the Year honors (Wake Forest University Athletics). His impact was immediate, galvanizing a program that had long searched for its next leader.
The next two seasons were a showcase of Rogers’ evolving talent and tenacity. In 1992, he earned First Team All-ACC selection, establishing himself as one of the conference’s elite players. But it was his junior year, 1993, that cemented his legacy: Rogers guided Wake Forest to the NCAA Sweet 16, claimed ACC Player of the Year, and was named a First Team All-American. He became the only Demon Deacon—and one of just seven players in ACC history—to win both Freshman and Player of the Year honors.
Building a Foundation for Generations
Rogers declared for the NBA Draft after his junior year, selected ninth overall by the Denver Nuggets—the program’s highest pick since Len Chappell in 1962. Yet his influence at Wake Forest didn’t end there. The foundation Rogers laid helped launch seven consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (1991–97), including an ACC Championship and the rise of the Tim Duncan era under Coach Dave Odom. His tenure was a catalyst for elevating the Demon Deacons into national relevance, a shift felt for years after he left Winston-Salem (Rolling Out).
NBA Success and Professionalism
Rodney Rogers’ professional career spanned 12 seasons in the NBA, where he averaged 11 points per game and earned the coveted NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. His versatility, toughness, and professionalism made him a respected figure in every locker room he joined. Rogers’ time in the league was not marked by flash but by consistent excellence—a testament to the same qualities that defined his college career. He retired in 2005, leaving behind a reputation as one of the era’s most reliable and respected players.
A Life-Altering Challenge and Unyielding Spirit
In 2008, tragedy struck. A devastating accident left Rogers paralyzed from the shoulders down. For many, such a blow might have signaled the end of public life. But Rogers responded with characteristic courage and resolve. He founded the Rodney Rogers Foundation, using his platform to support individuals living with spinal cord injuries. Through his foundation, Rogers promoted resilience, hope, and personal growth, reaching countless people who faced similar challenges.
Despite the daily difficulties of his condition, Rogers remained a powerful presence in the Wake Forest community and beyond. His story became not just one of athletic achievement, but of human endurance and generosity. The foundation’s work and Rogers’ visibility inspired others to see possibility where there had once been only hardship.
Honors, Recognition, and Enduring Legacy
Rogers’ impact was recognized at the highest levels. In 2022, Wake Forest University awarded him the Distinguished Alumni Award, one of its most prestigious honors. President Susan R. Wente presented Rogers with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the ceremony, underscoring his embodiment of the university’s “Pro Humanitate” motto—a call to serve humanity with compassion and humility (Wake Forest University Athletics).
His No. 54 jersey now hangs in the rafters of Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, a permanent reminder of the standard he set for generations of Demon Deacons. The symbolism is powerful: a number that represents both his on-court legacy and the age at which he left this world.
Family, Community, and Lasting Influence
Rodney Rogers’ legacy extends well beyond basketball. He was a devoted family man, survived by his wife Faye and their children, each of whom found their own path in the world of basketball. Daughter Roddreka serves as an assistant coach at Georgia State and was a standout at Georgia Tech; daughter Rydeiah played at NC State; and son Rodney Rogers II continues the family’s athletic tradition. The Rogers family exemplifies the dedication to education, service, and resilience that defined Rodney’s life.
The tributes poured in from every corner of Wake Forest and the basketball community. Former teammate Randolph Childress described Rogers as the strongest person he ever met, in body and in spirit. Coach Dave Odom ranked him among the greatest to ever play in the ACC, but emphasized that Rogers’ humanity surpassed even his athletic gifts. Vice President and Director of Athletics John Currie highlighted Rogers’ unique blend of power and grace, noting that his heart was even larger than his talent.
What Rodney Rogers Meant to Wake Forest—and Beyond
Rogers’ story is one of transformation—of a program, of a family, and of a community. He accelerated Wake Forest’s rise to national prominence, but he also set a standard for kindness, perseverance, and generosity. His influence reached far beyond statistics and championships, touching lives through his unwavering commitment to helping others.
Wake Forest Athletics expressed its deepest condolences to the Rogers family and all who were inspired by his extraordinary life, career, and spirit. For those who knew him, played with him, or simply watched him from afar, Rodney Rogers remains a model of what is possible when talent is matched with character.
Rodney Rogers’ legacy defies the boundaries of sport. He was more than a basketball legend—he was a symbol of resilience, hope, and unwavering generosity. His life and career offer a blueprint for facing adversity with dignity and for using one’s gifts to elevate not just a team, but an entire community. The impact he made will resonate at Wake Forest and beyond for generations to come.