DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Rodney Rogers , a Wake Forest basketball legend and Durham native, died Thursday at the age of 54.

Rogers died of natural causes linked to his spinal cord injury, according to a statement from the National Basketball Players Association on behalf of Rogers' family.

"The last 17 years have been both challenging and profoundly blessed," the NBPA statement said. "Through every moment, Rodney remained a light - positive, motivated, and full of the quiet strength that inspired everyone around him."

Known as "the Durham Bull" during his high school years at Hillside, Rogers made a lasting impact on Wake Forest basketball. He earned ACC Freshman of the Year, ACC Player of the Year, and First Team All-American honors during his college career.

Rogers played three year

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