Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Father of EWU lineman Rodgers dies

John Rodgers, the father of Eastern Washington University offensive tackle Jake Rodgers, died late Friday night, two weeks after he collapsed in the Roos Field stands in the final minutes of Eastern’s game against Illinois State.

Rodgers had been in the intensive care unit at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center ever since his collapse on Dec. 13.

The Rodgers family is from Spokane, where Jake Rodgers attended Shadle Park High School.

John Rodgers was an ironworker and graduate of Rogers High School. Besides his son, Jake, he also is survived by a daughter, Kara.

EWU head football coach Beau Baldwin expressed condolences to the Rodgers family in a prepared statement.

“Jake, his family and the memory of John have become a huge part of the Eagle football family these past two years, and we will reach out to help in any way possible now and in the future,” Baldwin said in the statement. “We will be there for them.”