Former Giants, Patriots, and Cardinals tackle Korey Cunningham, known for his affable nature and cherished camaraderie within the New York team, has tragically passed away at the tender age of 28, as confirmed by the Giants on Friday morning. Expressing their deep sorrow, the Giants issued a statement saying, “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.”
Cunningham, a native of Alabama who honed his skills at Cincinnati during his college years, made his NFL debut in 2018 after being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round. Throughout his career, he played in 31 games, with six starts, notably contributing to the Giants during the 2021-22 seasons, where he participated in 13 games.
The news of Cunningham’s untimely demise at his Clifton, N.J., residence on Thursday afternoon has left his friends and former teammates in shock and mourning. Giants players such as Tyre Phillips, Evan Neal, Jihad Ward, and Josh Ezeudu swiftly reacted to the news, expressing their grief and fond memories of Cunningham. Evan Neal wrote, “R.I.P. brother. Gone too soon,” while Josh Ezeudu penned, “Love you and appreciated all you did. Rest easy bro.” Jihad Ward shared, “RIP King. Love you KC,” echoing the sentiment of loss felt by many.
On social media, Tyre Phillips paid tribute to Cunningham’s kindness and charisma through a series of heartfelt Instagram stories, while wide receiver Jaydon Mickens conveyed his sorrow with a simple yet poignant broken heart emoji. Indeed, the Giants community today finds itself united in grief, mourning the loss of a kind-hearted individual who departed from this world far too soon.
As the Giants and the broader NFL community come to terms with the tragic loss of Korey Cunningham, his memory will endure as a testament to his warm spirit, unwavering camaraderie, and the positive impact he left on those around him. Through the outpouring of tributes and expressions of grief, it's evident that Cunningham's presence touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of his teammates, friends, and fans alike. As they navigate this difficult time, may they find solace in the cherished memories and enduring legacy of a beloved teammate and friend.
