The former NFL player Korey Cunningham, who had stints playing for the New York Giants, the Arizona Cardinals, and the New England Patriots, was found dead on Thursday afternoon at his home in New Jersey in an apparent suicide. He was only 28 years-old.
Cunningham Found Dead
Daily Mail reported that police have confirmed that Cunningham, who was known for having an upbeat personality, had a death that was self-inflicted, and they do not suspect foul play. Police reportedly had to force their way into Cunningham’s Clinton home, where they found him deceased, according to ESPN.
“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 camaraderie of the locker room. Our thoughts are with Korey’s family, friends and teammates.”
Born in Alabama in 1995, Cunningham was a 6-foot-6, 311-pound offensive lineman who was known for having a positive attitude and a big laugh. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals, and he later played for the New England Patriots before joining the Giants in 2021.
Cunningham played in 31 NFL games during his career with six starts, though he sadly suffered various foot injuries. He had to undergo surgery when he was a rookie for the Cardinals, and he later had surgery again in 2022 when he was playing for the Giants, and he ended up never playing in another game after that.
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Tributes For Cunningham
Former Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh took to social media to say that Cunningham stayed connected to the Giants even after he was cut from the team.
“We would invite him to the OL dinner every week even though he wasn’t on the team which doesn’t happen … ever,” Pugh wrote. “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! He’d tell stories and we’d laugh our asses off all night.
“Today is a sad day but I’ll always remember the good times and the laughs,” he continued. “Everyone who knew Korey Cunnigham was better for it. The world lost a great soul.”
Giants cornerback Jason Pinnock honored Cunningham on his Instagram Story, writing, “This one hurt! Regardless of what you was going through you wore the biggest smile!”
“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 team & learn new playbook, you was the first at my house ready!” he added. “Take care of yourselves & call your friends ppl. I love you brudda!”
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Cunningham’s Final Hunting Trip
Cunningham’s final Instagram post came five days ago, when he posted a series of photos from a recent hunting trip in the Carolinas. Outside of football, hunting was Cunningham’s main passion in life.
“Last minute trip across the Mason Dixon to chase Easterns. Til next time Carolina,” he wrote in the caption.
Cunningham’s death serves as a grim reminder that you never really know what someone is going through behind the scenes. Be sure to check in on your family and friends, because you never know when they may need your support!