Former New York Giants offensive lineman Corey Cunningham was found dead in his New Jersey home on Thursday.
He was 28 years old.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Corey Cunningham,” the Giants said in a statement. X Friday. “He was an integral part of the spirit and camaraderie in the locker room. Our thoughts are with Corey's family, friends and teammates.”
Clifton police told NBC News they responded to Cunningham's home around 1:15 p.m. Thursday after a family member reported not hearing from him. Police forced entry and “found the victim deceased,” the spokesperson said.
A police spokeswoman said there was “no indication of criminal activity at this time” and that Cunningham's death was under investigation.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
The 6-foot-6, 311-pound lineman from Alabama played college ball in Cincinnati and was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
During his career, he played for the Cardinals, New England Patriots, and Giants. He was released by the Giants last year and hasn't played in the NFL since.
The Patriots released a statement Friday saying the team was “saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Corey Cunningham.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to Corey's family, teammates, and everyone who mourns his loss,” the team said in a statement.
Several former teammates paid tribute to Cunningham following the news of his death.
Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh wrote: X: “I was in Arizona when we drafted Corey Cunningham in 2018. He went to the New York Giants and has been living in New Jersey for the past year.”
“We used to invite him to the OL dinner every week even though he wasn't on the team, but that never happened. Team dinners are only open to players on the team. Except for Cory. That's just because he was loved by all the guys, whether you knew him or not! He told stories and we laughed all night long,” Pugh said. Ta.
“Today is a sad day, but I will always remember the good times and laughter,” he added. “Everyone who knew Corey Cunningham knows it was better that way. The world has lost a great soul.”
Giants safety Jason Pinnock wrote on his Instagram Story, “This hurt!! No matter what you were going through, you had the biggest smile on your face!”
“When I started settling in at NYG, you were the first person to come to help me move. In the middle of camp, my buddies looking to join the team and learn new strategies, at my house. You were the first to be ready! Take care! Call your friends, I love you, Bruda!” he added.