Giants players left in shock over Korey Cunningham’s death as they pay tribute to former New York tackle after passing at 28: ‘I’ll never understand this one’
New York Giants players past and present have paid tribute to Korey Cunningham after learning of their former teammate’s sudden death this week at the age of 28.
Cunningham, an ex-offensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots as well as the Giants, died of an apparent suicide after being discovered at his New Jersey home on Thursday afternoon.
According to RLS Media, police say his death was self-inflicted, without any suspicion of foul play.
The Giants said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Korey Cunningham. He was an essential part of the atmosphere and camaraderie in the dressing room. Our thoughts are with Korey’s family, friends and teammates.”
A number of 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.
New York Giants stars past and present have paid tribute to former teammate Korey Cunningham
Cunningham, 28, was found dead on Thursday by police, who did 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 happiest and best teammates I have ever had.”
Gano wrote next to a photo of himself with Cunningham, “I will never understand this one. I really loved this man. I tried FaceTiming this morning and a few minutes later I heard the news.
“I laughed so much with you, my brother, and this morning I cried for you. Brittany and I were blessed to know you, and for that I will be forever grateful.”
Receiver Darius Slayton said on
Justin Pugh, who first played with Cunningham in Arizona in 2018, 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 for team players only. Except for Korey… just because he was loved by all the boys, regardless of whether you knew him or not! He told stories and we laughed our heads off all night.
“Today is a sad day, but I will always remember the good times and the fun. Everyone who knew Korey Cunningham was better for it. The world has lost a great soul.’
Running back Saquon Barkley, who left New York this season to join the Philadelphia Eagles, said simply, “Damn man.”
While long snapper Casey Kreiter posted: “Incredibly hurt to hear of the passing of my friend and teammate. Korey was the best. Always brought a smile and infectious positive energy. Life sucks sometimes…’
Cunningham, a 6-foot-4, 311-pound native of Alabama, made 31 appearances in the NFL over the course of his career and was picked by the Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2018 Draft after playing college football at Cincinnati .
In his last social media post just five days ago, he reflected on a late hunting trip he took to Carolina — hunting was his biggest passion outside of football.
He shared several photos on his Instagram account with the caption: “Last minute trip down the Mason Dixon to chase Easterns. 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, put it this way.
‘I graduated from high school with about 55 people. I come from nowhere.”
The Giants were his last team – he was cut from their roster last August before the season started.
In his last social media post just five days ago, Cunningham had been on the hunt
The offensive tackle played for the Patriots (photo) and the Cardinals as well as the Giants
He only played for the Cardinals for a year after the draft, making six appearances, but was traded to the Patriots for a sixth-round pick in 2019.
Cunningham was on the roster in New England for two years before being released and ultimately signing for the Giants.
“The New England Patriots are saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Korey Cunningham,” the team said on social media on Friday. “We extend our sincere condolences to Korey’s family, teammates and all who mourn his loss.”