Sad NFL news to begin the week coming out of the NFL. Former NFL wide receiver for the Detroit Lions Charles Rogers has died, various reports are saying. Rogers was 38 years old.
Moreover, Rogers was the second overall pick in the 2003 draft, but his career never took off as he admittedly struggled with drug issues. Twice he broke his collarbone in the NFL and suffered season ending injuries.
R.I.P. Ex-NFL player Charles Rogers has died at the age of 38. https://t.co/8Inlyh4R7i
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) November 11, 2019
Notably, Rogers died from liver failure. This is according to one of his former high school coaches from Saginaw High School in Michigan. Here is the quote:
“I called his mom at the hospital over the weekend and got a chance to talk to Charles,” former Saginaw High football coach Don Durrett said. “He said he was going to the Lord.”
Also, Rogers reportedly battled cancer. While many who see this will think at first thought that it was drug-related; it sounds like Rogers just faced a myriad of problems and misfortunate health-wise.
Finally, check out this Madden 2004 commercial starring none other than Rogers himself.
https://twitter.com/JHenryProject/status/1193891014366388224?s=20
For a person my age – and I turned 37 yesterday – you recall Rogers as a Michigan State Spartan. Equally important, he set the Spartans’ record with 27 career touchdown catches. He also set NCAA record with 13 consecutive games with a TD catch.
Still one of the greatest TD catches I’ve ever seen in person.
Charles Rogers dead at 38.
Gone far too soon. Tough day for the Spartan family. #RIP pic.twitter.com/icfHtNCOFA
— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) November 11, 2019
Still, his NFL career was short lived. With just 36 career catches, four touchdowns, and 440 receiving yards in three seasons; his accolades never matched what could have been.
Thoughts and prayers are with the Rogers family at this time.
