Former New York Giants offensive lineman Korey Cunningham has passed away at the age of 28. He was found deceased at his home in Clifton, New Jersey, on Thursday. No official cause of death has been disclosed.
Cunningham was a member of the Giants for two seasons from 2021 to 2022, during which he participated in 13 games. Prior to his time with the Giants, he played college football at the University of Cincinnati and was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He started in all six games he played as a rookie with the Cardinals. Following his rookie season, Cunningham was traded to the New England Patriots, where he appeared in 12 games across two seasons before being signed by the Giants.
The Giants and the New England Patriots both issued statements expressing their condolences. The Giants acknowledged Cunningham’s significant contribution to the team’s spirit and camaraderie, stating, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Korey Cunningham. Our thoughts are with Korey’s family, friends, and teammates.” Similarly, the Patriots conveyed their sympathies, noting the unexpected nature of Cunningham’s passing.
The New England Patriots are saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Korey Cunningham.
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Korey's family, teammates and all who mourn his loss. pic.twitter.com/HPvOs6L8kj
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 26, 2024
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
Tributes from Cunningham’s teammates poured in on social media. Saquon Barkley and Darius Slayton, both of whom played with Cunningham on the Giants, shared their personal sorrow. Justin Pugh, who was with the Cardinals when Cunningham was drafted and later joined the Giants, reminisced about how Cunningham was beloved by his teammates, often joining team dinners typically reserved for active roster members due to his engaging personality.
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
Graham Gano, a kicker for the Giants, also expressed deep personal loss, sharing his grief and the close relationship he had with Cunningham. He recounted the emotional impact of hearing the news shortly after attempting to contact Cunningham.
— Graham Gano (@GrahamGano) April 26, 2024
The community and his former teams and teammates remember Korey Cunningham not only for his contributions on the field but also for the joy and laughter he brought to those around him.