When I first heard the news about Charles Rogers’ passing, it didn’t quite hit me. I had no idea he was in the hospital and fighting through health issues but I did know about his past with drug addiction and post-football issues.
It was surprising and I just kind of brushed it off with an “oh, that’s sad” feeling. Nothing too reactionary, just a quick feeling of sadness before moving on with my day.
I’ll admit, that was selfish.
For a player who brought me so much joy as a child and was one of the many reasons why I wanted to play football starting in fourth grade, it should have hit me harder.