Former New York Giants offensive lineman Korey Cunningham was found dead at his New Jersey home on Thursday.
He was only 28 years old.
The Giants organization expressed their heartfelt sorrow on X, saying, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Korey Cunningham. He was a vital part of the spirit and camaraderie of the locker room. Our thoughts are with Korey’s family, friends and teammates.”
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Korey Cunningham. He was a vital part of the spirit and camaraderie of the locker room. Our thoughts are with Korey’s family, friends and teammates.
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 26, 2024
Clifton police were called to Cunningham’s residence around 1:15 p.m. on Thursday following a report from a concerned family member who had lost contact with him, as reported by NBC News. Upon entry, officers discovered him deceased, a spokesperson confirmed.
No cause of death was disclosed.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighing 311 pounds, the Alabama-native lineman honed his skills on the college field at Cincinnati before making his mark in the NFL. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals, he embarked on a professional career playing with the Cardinals, New England Patriots, and the Giants.
Released from the Giants the previous year, he had not played in the NFL since. The Patriots, in response to his passing, expressed their sadness on Friday, stating the team was “saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Korey Cunningham.”
The New England Patriots are saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Korey Cunningham.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 26, 2024
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Korey’s family, teammates and all who mourn his loss. pic.twitter.com/HPvOs6L8kj
From ESPN:
Clifton police on Thursday had to force their way into Cunningham’s house, where they found him deceased, according to a police spokesperson. Police are still investigating, but “foul play is not suspected at this time,” the spokesperson said.
Cunningham was drafted in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals out of Cincinnati. He also spent time with the New England Patriots before joining the Giants in 2021.
He played in 31 career games with six starts but dealt with foot injuries throughout his career. He had surgery as a rookie with the Cardinals and later with the Giants in 2022. Cunningham never played another game.
The 6-foot-6, 311-pound offensive lineman was known for his upbeat personality and big laugh. He was a favorite among teammates during his years with the Giants.
RIP Korey Cunningham
— Bobby Spence (@postcrabcore) April 26, 2024
Once a Giant, Always a Giant
🙏🏼#nygiants pic.twitter.com/jMcw3seREs
