The 25-year-old was walking along a sea wall when he fell eight metres (26ft) onto a rocky beach.
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Supt Nigel Goddard, who is leading the PSNI team in France, said: “I was informed this morning by my French counterparts of this tragic news”.
Northern Ireland fans were drawn into fighting in Nice on Saturday night as European Championship violence spread, witnesses said.
The spokesman said the accident happened at around 2am on Monday, after Northern Ireland’s match against Poland, which they lost by 1-0.
Nice’s promenade, known as the Promenade des Anglais, is a popular spot with tourists, strollers and skaters.
“Northern Ireland fans are like one big family when we go to games”.
John Delaney, FAI CEO, said that it was a bad day for football and a tragic day for the young man’s family. A police spokesman said that no trouble had been reported in the area.
Darren died in a tragic accident in France yesterday, while over as part of the travelling support for Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland fans also plan to pay the same tribute during Thursday’s game against Ukraine.
“Thoughts with family and friends”, he wrote in a tweet.
There were many messages of sympathy for Mr Rodgers and his family and friends, including a joint statement from DUP First Minister Arlene Foster, who attended the game against Poland, and Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
The site where Mr Rodgers fell to his death.
Patrick Nelson, chief executive of the Irish Football Association, expressed deep sadness.
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Paul Frew, a North Antrim Democratic Unionist party member of the Northern Ireland assembly, said he had been speaking to the young football player on Sunday.
