The sports world has witnessed yet another tragic and untimely passing after former New York Giants offensive lineman Korey Cunningham was found dead at his New Jersey home on Thursday.
Cunningham was just 28 years old.
The Giants wrote on X Friday:
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Korey Cunningham,” the Giants wrote on X Friday.
“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
NBC News reported that Clifton police responded to calls for concern at Cunningham’s home around 1:15 p.m. Thursday.
Officer found Cunningham “deceased” after forcing entry to his home, a spokesperson said.
The cause of death has not been immediately disclosed.
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
Nbcdfw.com reported:
The towering 6-foot-6, 311-pound athlete from Alabama played college ball at Cincinnati and was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft.
He played for the Cardinals, New England Patriots, and Giants during his career. He was released from the Giants last year and has not played in the NFL since.
He was known for strength, and despite facing foot injuries that ultimately hindered his playing time, Cunningham remained an influential figure in the league.
His former teammate, Justin Pugh, reflected on Cunningham’s unique role within the team, noting:
“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 the team only.”
“Except for Korey… solely because he was beloved by all the guys regardless if you knew him or not.”
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.
— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) April 26, 2024
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…
Former Giants running back, Saquon Barkley, revealed his shock and sadness over Cunningham’s passing.
Cunningham’s death has prompted a broader discussion on why so many athletes are dying this way, as we’ve seen with many reports this year.
Here are just a few:
READ: Former NFL Cornerback Vontae Davis, 35, Dies Suddenly
READ: Former Dallas Cowboys Lineman, 46, Dies Following Stroke
READ: Internationally Renowned Footballer, 44, Dies Unexpectedly
READ: Illinois HS Basketball Player, 14 Dies Suddenly during Game
READ: Olympic Judo Wrestler, 34, Dies after Cardiac Arrest
READ: Pro Wrestler Kurtis’ Mad Kurt’ Chapman, 26, Dies Suddenly
