Former Sixth Man of the Year Rogers has passed away at the age of 54; he was once teammates with Iverson and Kidd.

On November 23rd Beijing time, Rodney Rogers, aged 54, passed away on Friday local time. The 9th pick in the 1993 NBA Draft had been paralyzed below the shoulders following a motocross accident in November 2008. The NBPA, speaking on behalf of Rogers’ family, confirmed that his death was from natural causes linked to his spinal injury.

The NBPA’s statement read: “The past 17 years have been filled with challenges but also blessings. At every moment, Rodney shone brightly—positive, determined, and inspiring everyone around him with his calm yet resolute strength.”

Rogers was named ACC Rookie of the Year in 1991 and ACC Player of the Year in 1993. His college number 54 jersey has been retired by Wake Forest University. Standing 2.01 meters tall, the forward was known for his athleticism and earned the nickname “Durham Bull” in high school. Over his NBA career, he scored nearly 9,500 points and was honored as the league’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2000.

After his injury, Rogers founded a foundation bearing his name to support spinal cord injury patients, promoting resilience and personal growth through adversity. In 2022, Wake Forest University recognized his achievements by awarding him the Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary degree.

“Rodney was the strongest person I have ever known, both mentally and physically—his resilience shown in his daily fight,” said Wake Forest legend and former teammate Childress in a school statement. “I have said it before and still believe it: he was the most talented athlete in Wake Forest’s history. He meant a lot to many people, and I feel fortunate to have spent time with him yesterday.”

Rogers played three seasons at Wake Forest, averaging 21.2 points per game in the 1992-93 season, leading the team to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet Sixteen before entering the NBA Draft as a junior. His NBA career began with the Denver Nuggets and included stints with the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans), and Philadelphia 76ers. He was teammates with stars like Kidd, Iverson, and Iguodala.

“People often focus on his extraordinary athletic skills, but everyone who knew him understood his equally remarkable character,” said Dave Odom, Rogers’ coach at Wake Forest. “He loved his teammates, his family, Wake Forest, and most of all, basketball. He cherished his time playing for Wake Forest.”

“Every time I visited him, I reminded myself never to complain—because he never did. He faced life with acceptance and treasured every moment. As a player, his game was a joy to watch; as a person, he was even greater. He shared his strength, spirit, and life with everyone around him.”

According to the NBPA statement, Rogers is survived by his wife Fay, daughters Rodreka and Lydia, sons Rodney Jr. and Devontae, mother Estelle Spencer, and Eric Hipolito, whom he considered family.