Former Cardinals OL Korey Cunningham found dead at age 28

Korey Cunningham, a former offensive lineman with the Arizona Cardinals, died at the age of 28 this week.

Cunningham was found in his New Jersey home, and police are investigating his death, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. Foul play is allegedly not expected at this time.

The Cardinals took Cunningham in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Cincinnati. He started six games as a rookie before a season-ending foot injury. Arizona traded the Alabama native to the New England Patriots for a 2020 sixth-round pick right before the 2019 season got underway.

Cunningham played 12 games for New England from 2019-20 and 13 games with the New York Giants from 2021-22.

“I was in Arizona when we drafted Korey Cunningham in 2018. He moved onto the NY Giants and was living in NJ this past year,” former Cardinals guard Justin Pugh posted on X. “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. 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. Everyone who knew Korey Cunningham was better for it. The world lost a great soul.”

The Giants, Patriots and University of Cincinnati released statements addressing Cunningham’s death.

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

The New England Patriots are saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Korey Cunningham.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Korey’s family, teammates and all who mourn his loss. pic.twitter.com/HPvOs6L8kj

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 26, 2024

We’re heartbroken at the news of the passing of Korey Cunningham. Korey was a @GoBearcatsFB captain with an incredible work ethic and an infectious personality. He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates.

📝: https://t.co/dMT6X32UVB pic.twitter.com/lev6c9YO7O

— Cincinnati Bearcats (@GoBEARCATS) April 26, 2024

Related

Cardinals offense already down key piece for Week 1 game vs. ChargersCardinals owner Michael Bidwill says new performance center is under constructionCardinals’ Gardner Minshew to start vs. Cowboys, Carson Beck most likely outCardinals activate CB Garrett Williams from PUP listCardinals TE Trey McBride breaks top 15 on NFL top 100 players list ahead of 2026 seasonCourt decision gives athletes chance to return to college, including Wydett Williams of the Cardinals