While the NFL Draft is a source of celebration and excitement around the league every year, the NFL world was hit with a bit of a tragedy this week as Korey Cunningham, an offensive lineman who played for three NFL teams throughout his career, has died at the young age of just 28 years old.
The New York Giants, where Cunningham played in 2021 and 2022, confirmed the news of his tragic passing.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Korey Cunningham,” the Giants said in a statement following his death, according to Pro Football Talk. “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 was originally selected in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He then spent time with the New England Patriots from 2019 to 2020, and then with the New York Giants in 2021 and 2022. Cunningham had not played in the NFL since he was released by the Giants ahead of the 2023 season.
Obviously, many took to social media to mourn his passing.
I'm so sad to hear about the passing of former @GoBearcatsFB OL Korey Cunningham. I always enjoyed talking with the big man during his UC days. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/tuP66QMV5E
— Dave Berk (@Dave_Berk) April 26, 2024
RIP Korey Cunningham
Once a Giant, Always a Giant
🙏🏼#nygiants pic.twitter.com/jMcw3seREs— Bobby Spence (@postcrabcore) April 26, 2024
Former Giants OL Korey Cunningham was found dead at his New Jersey home. He was 28.
Sad. Really upbeat, fun guy. Originally drafted in 2018 by the Arizona Cardinals.
Statement from Giants:
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Korey Cunningham. He was a vital part of…
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 26, 2024
RIP Korey Cunningham
— Big Daddy Drix 🏳️🌈 (@BigDaddyDrix) April 26, 2024
I was in Arizona when we drafted Korey Cunnigham in 2018. He moved onto the NY Giants and was living in NJ this past year.
Quick story:
We would invite him to the OL dinner every week even though he wasn’t on the team which doesn’t happen…ever. Team dinners are for players on…— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) April 26, 2024
Terribly sad news: former Giants, Patriots and Cardinals OT Korey Cunningham has passed away at age 28. A great guy and teammate. Shocking news.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Korey Cunningham,” the Giants said in a statement. “He was a vital part of the spirit and… pic.twitter.com/nd7rRApxCK
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) April 26, 2024
Cunningham was reportedly found dead at his home in New Jersey and no information was given about his cause of death.
