Former Detroit Lions NFL star Charles Rogers has died aged 38.
The wide receiver penned a £30.7million contract with the Lions in 2003 which included a signing bonus of over £11million after being picked second overall in the NFL draft.
But his career was brought to a premature end by injuries and off-field issues.
He sustained two broken collarbones in his first two seasons in Detroit and became addicted to painkillers which derailed his stint in the NFL.
The details surrounding his death are, as yet, unclear.
Rogers, a five-star high school recruit, played at Michigan State University from 2000-02. He finished with 2,821 yards on 135 catches with 27 touchdowns in two seasons before entering the NFL draft.
During his time at MSU he won the Biletnikoff Award as the best wide receiver in the US in 2002.
The Lions selected Rogers in the 2003 draft behind quarterback Carson Palmer, selected by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Rogers caught three touchdowns during his first five games of the 2003 NFL season.
However, amid self-confessed drug issues, Rogers played just 15 times in the NFL - totalling just 36 catches for 440 yards and only one more touchdown - before departing.
Former Michigan State teammate Chris Baker said: "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."
