On Thursday, the passing of a former NFL player was announced by the New York Giants.
Former New York Giants offensive lineman Korey Cunningham was found dead at his home in New Jersey on Thursday. He was 28 years old.
"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Korey Cunningham," the Giants wrote Friday on X, formerly Twitter. "He was a vital part of the spirit and camaraderie of the locker room. Our thoughts are with Korey's family, friends and teammates."
Per reports, a family member contacted the Clifton Police Department to report that they hadn't heard from him. Officers forced entry into Cunningham's home Thursday afternoon and found him deceased.
His death is under investigation, though police said there was no immediate indication of foul play. His cause of death was not revealed.
Cunningham, originally from Alabama, played college football at the University of Cincinnati from 2013 to 2017. He was picked by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He went on to play five seasons in the NFL, with the Cardinals, New England Patriots and the New York Giants.
"The Cincinnati Athletics Department and football family are heartbroken at the news of the passing of Korey Cunningham. Korey was a team captain with an incredible work ethic and an infectious personality. He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates during this time," Bearcats Football said in a statement.
"The New England Patriots are saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Korey Cunningham," the team wrote on X Thursday night. "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Korey's family, teammates and all who mourn his loss."
Multiple former teammates also mourned his death on social media.
--with reporting by TMX
"Today is a sad day but I'll always remember the good times and the laughs," Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh wrote on X. "Everyone who knew Korey Cunnigham was better for it. The world lost a great soul."
"This one hurt!! Regardless of what you was going through you wore the biggest smile," Giants safety Jason Pinnock wrote on his Instagram Story. "You was the first person to come help me move when I was getting settled at NYG.. middle of camp & you frinding to be on the team & learn new playbook, you was the first at my house ready! Take care of yourselves & call your friends ppl. I love you brudda!"
Cunningham was released from the Giants in August 2023, and did not return to the NFL before his death.
