Charles Rogers, former Michigan State football, Detroit Lions star, dead at 38 – Detroit Free Press, Freep.com

Former (Michigan State footballAll-American and Detroit Lions wide receiver Charles Rogers has died.

) The Saginaw native was 38.

Former coach Don Durrett said Rogers, who played football for him at Saginaw High, said he has heard from a number of former players that Rogers died overnight.

“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 Free Press. “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. ”

Rogers, a five-star high school recruit, played for Bobby Williams at MSU from 2000 – 02. He finished with 2, 821 yards on 135 catches with 27 touchdowns in two seasons before entering the NFL draft.

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The Lions selected Rogers with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2003 draft, but his career never took off as he admittedly struggled with drug issues. The 6-foot-3, 220 – pounder had just 36 catches for 440 yards with four TD in 15 games before he left the league.

Former MSU and NFL tight end Chris Baker confirmed the news on Twitter.

“Devastated to learn of the passing of my spartan brother Charles (Rogers),” Baker tweeted. “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. ”