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The Detroit Lions community, as well as Michigan State University community, is weighing in after talented former receiver Charles Rogers died overnight at the age of 38.
Rogers died of liver failure and was battling cancer, per his former coaches, via MLive’s Hugh Bernreuter.
A five-star recruit from Saginaw High, Rogers played record-breaking football in East Lansing from 2000-02. He racked up 2,821 yards and 21 touchdowns in two seasons. Drafted second overall in 2003, Rogers spent three seasons as a Lion until several injuries and violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy led the team to eventually cut him.
Both Lions and Spartans alike are offering kind words.
We are deeply saddened to learn the news of Charles Rogers passing away. We send our condolences to his family, friends and former teammates during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/M5LAsbzdMh
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) November 11, 2019
Devastated to learn of the passing of my spartan brother Charles Rodgers. Spoke with his mom this morning. Please pray for her and his children. Please also be respectful of their privacy at this difficult time. Rip Chuck
— Chris Baker (@Toten86) November 11, 2019
Heartbroken, sad, hurt this morning to wake up and hear my brother Charles Rogers has passed on. Praying for his family! Rest up my brother. We Love You! Rest in Paradise Chuck
— Plaxico Burress (@plaxicoburress) November 11, 2019
Absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of my 2003 NFL rookie classmate and former Lions WR #CharlesRogers. Gone to soon. RIP https://t.co/IZdxfQbPVP
— Akbar Gbajabiamila (@Akbar_Gbaja) November 11, 2019
Spartans are family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cassius Winston, as well as the loved ones of Charles Rogers.
— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) November 11, 2019
in 2004 i was charles rogers for halloween. he was my first sports idol. pic.twitter.com/fYDnosaWfp
— Jameson Draper (@jamdraper) November 11, 2019
RIP to one of my favorite football players ever. Charles Rogers was a Spartan and a Lion, but for me he was a childhood hero. pic.twitter.com/l85SpP83bv
— b (@brentmsechler) November 11, 2019
Fly high mane... #OnePride #SpartanFamily #WeFromSaginaw #RIH #charlesrogers pic.twitter.com/ioAKJIZt1u
— BIGLIONMANE #37 (@biglionmane) November 11, 2019
Statement from the Detroit Lions on the passing of former Lions WR Charles Rogers: pic.twitter.com/NyGkrP2fDl
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) November 11, 2019
Dave Birkett for the Detroit Free Press writes that former Lions general manager Matt Millen said he’ll remember Rogers a little differently than most.
“How I’ll remember him is a great kid with a good heart with a lot of skills, that mismanaged some things.”
If you’ve never had the chance to read it, Cody Tucker for the Lansing State Journal wrote an exceptional piece on Rogers’ rise and fall-- from his high school days to his MSU stardom to his struggles with addiction.
A particularly heartbreaking quote from Rogers: “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.”
The article is from 2017. Here’s to hoping he found Charles Rogers.
And onto your notes.
- First, Wojo’s officially thrown in the towel on the Lions. “Where do they go from here? Nowhere, pretty much.”
- Dave Birkett with the Free Press says the Lions didn’t give backup quarterback Jeff Driskel the best chance to succeed on Sunday.
- Speaking of, you can hear what Driskel himself had to say below:
- Scott Warheit over at the Lions Wire explains why he thinks Matthew Stafford should sit the rest of the season.
- You always wonder what a player buys with that nice NFL check. A new car? A house? A thousand dogs? (Might be projecting with that last one.) Birkett explains what six Lions splurged on once they hit the big time.
- And finally, Herman Moore being awesome this Veterans Day.
Today we celebrate, remember and recognize the men and women who bravely, unselfishly and honorably swore their very lives to protect and defend our country and our freedom. #RealHeroes #ThankYouIsNotEnough #USASalutesYou #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #USMilitary pic.twitter.com/Tr0vCsSKYq
— Herman Moore (@HMAN84) November 11, 2019