Rogers was a Wake Forest Sports Hall of Famer and Distinguished Alumni Award honoree.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Wake Forest Athletics is mourning the loss of Demon Deacons great and Wake Forest Sports Hall of Famer Rodney Rogers (’94), who died on Nov. 21. Rogers, a Durham native and 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award honoree, is remembered as one of the most influential players in program history and a model of courage and generosity.
Rogers’ wife Faye released the following statement:
“Rodney Rogers, an NBA legend who played 12 years in the league, passed away on Nov. 21, 2025 from natural causes related to the spinal cord injury he sustained on November 28, 2008. He made his transition peacefully, surrounded by the endless love of his devoted wife, Faye. Rodney leaves behind his beloved wife, Faye Rogers; his daughters, Roddreka and Rydiah; his sons, Rodney II, Devonte Rogers, and Eric Hipilito — whom he embraced as a son; and his mother, Estelle Spencer.
The last 18 years have been both challenging and profoundly blessed. Through every moment, Rodney remained a light — positive, motivated 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 from our Wake Forest and NBA families over the years. Your care, presence and kindness carried us more than you know. We kindly ask that you respect our family’s privacy during this time of healing.”
Known as the “Durham Bull” during his high school career, Rogers brought that same power to Winston-Salem, helping elevate Wake Forest men’s basketball into a national contender in the early 1990s.
He made an immediate impact as a freshman, earning ACC Freshman of the Year in 1991 and leading Wake Forest to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in seven years. He followed with a First Team All-ACC selection in 1992 and, in 1993, ACC Player of the Year and First Team All-American honors after guiding the Deacs to the Sweet 16.
Rogers remains the only Demon Deacon — and one of just seven players in ACC history — to win both ACC Freshman of the Year and ACC Player of the Year.
After declaring for the NBA Draft in 1993, Rogers was selected ninth overall by the Denver Nuggets, the program’s highest draft pick in more than 30 years. His 12-year NBA career included an 11-point scoring average and the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
In 2008, Rogers was paralyzed in an accident but became a source of strength and inspiration for many. He founded the Rodney Rogers Foundation to support people living with spinal cord injuries and used his platform to promote resilience and hope.
His contributions to Wake Forest and beyond were recognized in 2022 when he received the Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
Rogers’ No. 54 jersey hangs in the rafters of Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, honoring his legacy and the standard he set for generations of Demon Deacons.
Wake Forest Athletics extended condolences to the Rogers family and to all who were inspired by his life, career and spirit.