Rodney Rogers’ family revealed the last 8 words he left for everyone after his sudden departure at the age of 54, causing many fans and many NBA players to mourn. Those last 8 words were not for his family, but were something that made the entire NBA world silent because when he left, he still did not forget to think of the wonderful days when he played basketball.

Rodney Rogers dead aged 54 as heartbroken tributes pour in for ex-NBA first-round pick

The former Denver Nuggets star suffered a life-changing accident in 2008

FORMER NBA star Rodney Rogers has died at the age of just 54.

The ex-NBA Sixth Man of the Year had been paralyzed from the shoulders down since a dirt bike accident in 2008.

Former Denver Nuggets star Rodney Rogers has died aged 54Credit: Getty

The Wake Forest legend was paralzyed in 2008 following an ATV accidentCredit: Getty

Rogers was the No 9 overall NBA Draft pick in 1993 and spend 12 years in the league.

A towering 6-foot-7 guard, the Durham native played for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in college.

He was the ACC Rookie of the Year in 1991 and saw his No.54 jersey retired by the school after his retirement.

Rogers played for the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers during his NBA career.

He scored almost 10,000 points in the league, averaging 4.5 rebounds per game.

Rogers suffered a spinal cord injury in 2008 after flipping over the handlebars in an ATV.

Complications from his accident 17 years ago contributed to his death this weekend, per a statement from Wake Forest.

“The last 17 years have been both challenging and profoundly blessed,” a statement from the NBPA statement read.

“Through every moment, Rodney remained a light-positive, motivated, and full of the quiet strength that inspired everyone around him.”

Rogers played three years at Wake Forest, averaging 21.2 points in the 1992-93 season that saw the team reach the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16.

“Rodney is the strongest person I have ever met – physically and mentally – and his resilience was evident in the fight he showed every single day,” former teammate Randolph Childress said in a statement.

“I’ve said this before and I still mean it today – he was the best athlete ever to walk onto Wake Forest’s campus.

“He meant so much to so many people, and I feel profoundly blessed to have been with him yesterday.”

Rogers is survived by his wife, Faye.

He also leaves behind daughters Roddreka and Rydiah, as well as sons Rodney II and Devonte.

“A great man. RIP,” wrote one devastated fan on X as tributes rolled in from across the basketball world.

“My age my era, too young! Rest in Peace Rodney. May the sweet Holy Spirit comfort his family,” said another.

“This one hurts. RIP Rodney,” wrote a third.