Detroit Lions: We say good-bye to Charles Rogers at just 38 years old

Many considered him a bust, but former Michigan State Spartans star receiver had plenty of talent, but injuries took a toll on Charles Rogers during his Detroit Lions days. It also may eventually have played a role in his death.

When I think of Charles Rogers, I remember him being an extremely talented wide receiver playing for the Michigan State Spartans who eventually was drafted by the Detroit Lions second overall but never lived up to the hype as a professional.

I tend to group Rogers in a bunch of other Detroit Lions receivers Matt Millen continued to select high in the NFL draft year after year.  Roy Williams, Mike Williams, Titus Young, Calvin Johnson, and the list goes on and on.  Some turned out, others not so much.

Despite being taken second overall in the 2003 NFL draft, Charles Rogers only played in 15 total games over the course of his short three-year career.  His best season came during his rookie campaign catching 22 balls totaling 243 yards and 3 touchdowns.  He was targeted 52 times in the five games he played that year. Two of those touchdowns came in his professional debut with the Detroit Lions.

Rogers was a spectacular receiver during his time with the Michigan State Spartans reeling in a total of 135 balls for a whopping 2821 yards and scoring 27 times.  Rogers was awarded the Biletnikoff honor, which is awarded to the countries top receiver.  Charles also scored a receiving touchdown in 13 consecutive games with the Spartans, an NCAA record in 2002.

Former Detroit Lions head coach Steve Mariucci had this to say;

"“Charles was our first draft choice in my time with the Lions, and having the opportunity to select a premier player from Michigan State and a local Saginaw standout athlete was tremendously exciting,” former Lions coach Steve Mariucci said in a release. “In coaching Charles, his talent and ability were very evident early on in his career.“I feel strongly had he not suffered unfortunate injuries, he would have gone on to become an excellent NFL wide receiver.”"

Reports have surfaced mentioning Rogers suffered from a pain killer addiction–perhaps stemming from his playing days.  This isn’t confirmed and strictly speculation, but many athletes become addicted to pain killers long after their playing days have expired.

We’ve all heard stories where people become addicted to pain killers after surgery.  It’s no different for an athlete nursing an injury.  When players have everything at their disposal during their playing days, it’s very easy to see how that could happen.

Many have mentioned today that Rogers struggled, and had his fair share of dark days.  It’s very unfortunate.  No one deserves to suffer.  Always remember, you are loved.  People care about you; people need you.

It’s devastating that at just 38 years old we have to say good-bye. RIP Charles Rogers.