The New York Giants have announced the sudden passing of former offensive tackle Korey Cunningham on Friday. He was reportedly found dead at his New Jersey home. Cunningham was only 28 years old.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Korey Cunningham,” the Giants wrote on X. “He was a vital part of the spirit and camaraderie of the locker room. Our thoughts are with Korey’s family, friends and teammates.”
Cunningham’s cause of death has not been revealed.
On Thursday, Clifton, New Jersey police were compelled to forcibly enter Cunningham’s residence, where they discovered his body, according to Fox News. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities currently do not suspect foul play.
Cunningham was selected in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals after playing at Cincinnati. He later joined the New England Patriots before ultimately signing with the Giants in 2021.
Cunningham consistently battled foot injuries throughout his career, which spanned 31 games including six starts. He underwent surgery during his rookie season with the Cardinals, and again with the Giants in 2022. Unfortunately, Cunningham never returned to play in another NFL game.
Standing 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 311 pounds, the offensive lineman was celebrated for his vibrant personality and hearty laughter. Throughout his tenure with the Giants, he was beloved by his teammates for his amiable nature.
Former Teammates React to the Passing of Korey Cunningham
Friday morning brought a wave of shock and sorrow, as many teammates took to social media to express their grief over Cunningham’s death. Damn man,” former Giants running back Saquon Barkley wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Ex-Giants lineman Justin Pugh noted that Cunningham kept his ties with the team even after being released. “We would invite him to the OL dinner every week even though he wasn’t on the team which doesn’t happen … ever,” Pugh shared on X. “Team dinners are for players on the team only. Except for Korey … solely because he was beloved by all the guys regardless if you knew him or not! He’d tell stories and we’d laugh our asses off all night.
“Today is a sad day but I’ll always remember the good times and the laughs. Everyone who knew Korey Cunnigham was better for it. The world lost a great soul.”
“I’m so sad to hear about the passing of former @GoBearcatsFB OL Korey Cunningham,” sports journalist Dave Berk wrote on X. “I always enjoyed talking with the big man during his UC days. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”