Korey Cunningham, a 28-year-old former NFL lineman previously with the New York Giants, was found deceased in his Clifton residence on Thursday, according to authorities.
Detective Lt. Robert Bracken of the Clifton Police Department informed NorthJersey.com that Cunningham was discovered unresponsive at approximately 1:15 p.m. on Thursday.
Police were summoned to the residence by a family member who had been unable to reach him.
Bracken stated that while the cause of death remains under investigation, there are currently no indications of foul play.
The Giants confirmed Cunningham’s death in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Korey Cunningham,” the statement read. “He was a vital part of the spirit and camaraderie of the locker room. Our thoughts are with Korey’s family, friends and teammates.”
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.
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 26, 2024
Cunningham, identified as an offensive lineman, contributed to the Giants’ lineup throughout the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Originating as a seventh-round draft selection for the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, he appeared in six games for the team before transitioning to the New England Patriots for segments of two seasons.
Notably, Cunningham did not participate in NFL activities during the 2023 season.
Justin Pugh, a fellow lineman who previously served the Giants from 2013 to 2017 before rejoining the team in the prior season, shared a connection with Cunningham dating back to their time together on the Cardinals in 2018.
Upon Pugh’s return to the Giants, he and his fellow linemen upheld their tradition of including Cunningham in their weekly dinners.
“We would invite him to the OL dinner every week even though he wasn’t on the team, which doesn’t happen…ever. Team dinners are for players on the team only,” Pugh wrote on social media Friday.
“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.”
I was in Arizona when we drafted Korey Cunnigham in 2018. He moved onto the NY Giants and was living in NJ this past year.
Quick story:
We would invite him to the OL dinner every week even though he wasn’t on the team which doesn’t happen…ever. Team dinners are for players on…— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) April 26, 2024
Expressing his sorrow, Pugh conveyed that he would “always cherish the fond memories and shared laughter.”
“Everyone who knew (Cunningham) was better for it,” he said, adding, “The world lost a great soul.”
