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 at the age of 28 this week.

Cunningham, an ex-offensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots as well as the Giants, died from an apparent suicide after being discovered at his home in New Jersey on Thursday afternoon.

According to RLS Media, law enforcement say his death was self-inflicted with no suspicion of foul play.

The Giants said: '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.'

A number of former and present 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 ex-teammate Korey Cunningham

Cunningham, 28, was found dead by police on Thursday, who have not suspected 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 ever had'

Gano wrote alongside a photo of himself with Cunningham: 'I'll never understand this one. I genuinely loved this man. Just tried FaceTiming you this morning and then I found out the news a couple minutes later. 

'I had so many laughs with you my brother, and this morning I cried for you. Brittany and I were blessed knowing you and I'll be forever grateful for that.'

Receiver Darius Slayton said on X: 'RIP Big Country man easily one of the happiest and best teammates i ever had fly high big fella'.

Justin Pugh, who first played with Cunningham in 2018 in Arizona, commented: '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.'

Running back Saquon Barkley, who left New York to join the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, simply put: '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 an infectious positive energy. Life sucks sometimes….'

Cunningham, a 6-foot-6, 311-pound Alabama native, played 31 times in the NFL  across the course of his career and was picked in the seventh round in the 2018 Draft by the Cardinals after playing college football at Cincinnati. 

In his last post on social media, only five days ago, he was reflecting on a late hunting trip he had taken to Carolina - hunting was his major passion outside of football.

He shared several pictures to his Instagram account with the caption: 'Last minute trip across the Mason Dixon to chase Easterns. Til 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. Middle of nowhere, put it like that. 

'I graduated high school with like 55 people. I come from nothing.'

The Giants were his last team - he was released from their roster last August before the season began. 

In his last post on social media, only five days ago, Cunningham had been on a hunting trip

The offensive tackle played for the Patriots (pictured) 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 in 2019 for a sixth-round pick. 

Cunningham was on the roster in New England for two years before being released and eventually 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 heartfelt sympathies to Korey's family, teammates and all who mourn his loss.'