Charles Rogers, second overall pick in 2003 NFL draft, dies aged 38
Charles Rogers, the Detroit Lions wide receiver chosen second in the 2003 NFL draft after a prolific career at Michigan State University, has died aged 38.
The Detroit Free Press confirmed Rogers’ death on Monday after a number of his former teammates paid tribute to him on social media.
No cause of death has been reported, but several of his former coaches said he was suffering from liver disease and cancer.
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“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charles Rogers,” the Lions said in a statement Monday. “From Saginaw, to East Lansing, to Detroit, Charles’ connection to the state of Michigan and its football community was felt by many during the course of his life. We extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.”
Rogers set a school record with 27 career touchdowns that still stands at Michigan State despite playing only two seasons at the Lansing school, winning the Fred Biletnikoff award as the best college wide receiver in the nation during his junior season.
The 6ft 3in, 220lb star was chosen with the No 2 pick in the 2003 draft behind only Carson Palmer and almost immediately made good on his $9.1m signing bonus with the Lions, catching 22 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns in his first five professional games, but his rookie year was abruptly cut short when he broke his collarbone during a speed drill.
Rogers broke his collarbone again on the third play of the 2004 campaign, ending his second season. By the end of year three, he was out of football entirely, finishing with 36 receptions for 440 yards and three touchdowns in 15 appearances.
The Saginaw native was arrested at least six times from 2008-12 on charges ranging from assault and battery and probation violations to DUI, open container violations and marijuana possession.
In 2017, Rogers told the Lansing State Journal that he became addicted to Vicodin during his time with the Lions. He also said he smoked marijuana throughout his time in college and the pros.
“I am getting my life together. … A fresh start,” he said in that interview. “Do I need a little love? Yeah. Am I still trying to find Charles Rogers? Yeah. I stay optimistic and positive. I’ve been to hell and back, but I stay strong. I still have faith. I’m still a young man. It ain’t over. I’m going to be all right, you know? I’m going to be all right.”
Don Durrett, who coached Rodgers at Saginaw High School, told the Free Press he was the best athlete he’d any seen across sports.
“I’ll tell you, he was – and I’m including Flint, too, since I coached at Flint Northern all those years – he’s the best athlete I ever seen. I mean, honestly,” Durett told the newspaper. “We’re talking about basketball, football and track together. He could have had a scholarship in all three sports. That’s how good. … I haven’t seen nobody that fast that could do it all. He was just a blessed athlete that could do it all.”
