His birth date is July 5, 1947.
Rodger was born, raised and continues to make his home in Crittenden, Kentucky.

Nickname:

Kentucky Joe

What we'll never forget:

His spirit, gentleness, and intelligence made him someone you loved to love. He had a great work ethic, and truly cared about the people he was with.
He played the game with honor and loyalty, and had a great respect for his tribe.

How he felt about tribal loyalty:

After Mike's tragic accident Rodger helps his tribe cope with the terrible situation, and brought them all together saying:

"We are going to win or lose this thing as a team, and we are going to stick together. Possibly, Mike's accident might have brought some of us to the realization that there are some things more important than the million dollars."

Best moment:

The Butch Cassidy Challenge:

Having just learned how to swim he overcame his fear of heights and swimming limitations and jumped off a cliff during the first reward challenge in the Outback.

Worst moment:

Rodger had a difficult time during the "Lock Step" challenge. He got tangled in the ropes, and fell several times. Fortunately, the other tribe had problems as well, and his difficulties didn't keep his tribe form winning.

Quotes:

"I am the oldest person out here and have been going for 36 days, and would have gone the remaining 6 without food if I had to. I wish them all luck, especially Elisabeth. I hope she goes all the way."

"Elisabeth needs the money more than I do, with her mother being sick and all…. I should go before she does...I think as much about Elisabeth as I do about other members in my family. I have basically watched out for her like a father would have."

What finally did him in?

He sacrificed himself in order to have Elisabeth stay in the tribe for at least one more vote. He felt that she needed the money more than he did.

What others said about him:

Colby said: "Rodger has always chipped in more than he has had to, whether it be fishing or boiling water. He is always up to do stuff. For the oldest guy here, he has the most energy out of all of us, and I think that comes from his heart."

Where is he now?

Rodger still lives in Crittenden with his wife, Patricia, and family.


In January of 2004, Rodger accepted a position as Deputy Executive Director of Agriculture Marketing & Product Promotion with the new Kentucky Commission of Agriculture, Richie Farmer.

He has traveled extensively all over the State of Kentucky speaking to different groups and to many school children. His goal is to educate children in farm safety, use of tobacco products and proper nutrition.

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