The Brooklyn Half Marathon ended in heartbreak on Saturday when Charles “Ace” Rogers, a 31-year-old former college football player, collapsed during the race and died shortly after.
Rogers, who played at Lindenwood University and the University of Minnesota, was eight miles into the 13.1-mile course when he went down on Ocean Parkway. Despite being rushed to Maimonides Medical Center, he didn’t survive.
It was a hot, muggy morning in New York City, with temperatures reaching into the low 80s- brutal conditions that challenged nearly 30,000 runners. For Rogers, the day started like any other race, but it ended in tragedy around 8:11 a.m., according to officials on the scene.
A Competitor To The End
Rogers wasn’t just another name on the roster. On and off the field, people knew him for his relentless drive and full-throttle approach to life. “Charles put everything he had into everything he did,” his wife Sydney Rogers told The New York Post. “While he leaves behind a wife and family that already miss him terribly, he loved being competitive and left us being 100% himself.”
The Lindenwood Football family mourns the loss of Ace Rogers.
— Lindenwood Football (@LindenwoodFB) May 18, 2025
Our thoughts & prayers go out to his wife Sydney, his parents Teresa Jordan & Charles Rogers, and the rest of his family. pic.twitter.com/yVPg6DzaXz
New York Road Runners, which organized the event, acknowledged the devastating loss. “It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of one of today’s race participants,” said Crystal Howard, Chief Communications and Community Coordinator. “On behalf of the whole running community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NCAA stories via Google! Follow Us
Rogers, known to many as “Ace,” made his mark on the football field before taking his competitive spirit to road races. At Lindenwood, he was a standout player, and his time at Minnesota further highlighted his grit and talent. On Saturday, he brought that same energy to the pavement, pushing through challenging weather before tragedy struck.
Lindenwood Football paid tribute to their former teammate shortly after the news broke. “The Lindenwood Football family mourns the loss of Ace Rogers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Sydney, his parents Teresa Jordan and Charles Rogers, and the rest of his family.”
As the running and football communities reflect on his life, they remember a man who gave everything- right until the end.
