Past and present New York Giants players have paid tribute to Korey Cunningham after learning of their former teammate’s sudden death at the age of 28 this week.
Cunningham, a former offensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots as well as the Giants, died in an apparent suicide after being discovered at his home in New Jersey on Thursday afternoon.
According to RLS Media, authorities say his death was self-inflicted with no suspicion of foul play.
The Giants said: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Korey Cunningham. He was a vital part of the locker room spirit and camaraderie. Our thoughts are with Korey’s family, friends and teammates.”
Several former and current Giants players also took to social media to express their shock at the news, with kicker Graham Gano admitting he shed tears after finding out.
Past and present New York Giants stars have paid tribute to former teammate Korey Cunningham
Cunningham, 28, was found dead Thursday by police, who do not suspect foul play.
Kicker Graham Gano posted an emotional tribute to his former colleague on social media
Receiver Darius Slayton described Cunningham as “one of the best and happiest teammates I’ve ever had.”
Gano wrote alongside a photo of himself with Cunningham: “I will never understand this.” He really loved this man. I tried FaceTiming you this morning and then found out the news a couple minutes later.
‘I laughed a lot with you, my brother, and this morning I cried for you. Brittany and I were lucky enough to meet you and I am forever grateful for that.
Catcher Darius Slayton said on
Justin Pugh, who first played with Cunningham in 2018 in Arizona, said, “We invited him to the OL dinner every week even though he wasn’t on the team, which doesn’t happen… ever.”
‘Team dinners are only for team players. Except Korey…solely because he was loved by all the boys regardless of whether you knew him or not! He told stories and we laughed out loud all night.
‘Today is a sad day but I will always remember the good times and the laughter. Everyone who knew Korey Cunningham did better. The world lost a great soul.’
Running back Saquon Barkley, who left New York to join the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, simply said, “Damn man.”
While long snapper Casey Kreiter posted: “It hurts me so much to hear about the passing of my friend and teammate.” Korey was the best. He always brought a smile and contagious positive energy. Life sucks sometimes…’
Cunningham, a 6-foot-6, 311-pound Alabama native, played 31 times in the NFL over his career and was selected in the seventh round of the 2018 draft by the Cardinals after playing college football at Cincinnati.
In his last social media post, just five days ago, he reflected on a recent hunting trip he had taken to Carolina: hunting was his greatest passion outside of football.
He shared several photos on his Instagram account with the caption: ‘Last minute trip across the Mason Dixon to chase the orientals. Until next time Carolina.’
Cunningham grew up in Montevallo, Alabama. In an interview about his journey to the NFL in 2019, when he was on the Cardinals’ roster, he said of his upbringing: “It made me who I am.” In the middle of nowhere, let’s put it that way.
‘I graduated high school with about 55 people. I come from nothing.’
The Giants were his last team: he was released from their roster last August before the season began.
In his last social media post, just five days ago, Cunningham was on a hunting trip.
The offensive tackle played for the Patriots (pictured) and the Cardinals, as well as the Giants.
He only played for the Cardinals for one year after the draft, making six appearances, but was traded to the Patriots in 2019 for a sixth-round pick.
Cunningham was on New England’s roster for two years before being released and eventually signing with the Giants.
“The New England Patriots are saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Korey Cunningham,” the team said on social media Friday. “We extend our deepest condolences to Korey’s family, his teammates and all who mourn his loss.”