The institution announced the passing of NFL veteran and former captain of the Cincinnati Bengals football team, Korey Cunningham.

Cunningham, an Alabama native, began his final two seasons as a Bearcat on the offensive line. According to the institution, he was named to the All-AAC Second squad in 2017 and captained the squad.

Cunningham was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft following his graduation from UC in 2017 with a degree in health education with an emphasis on exercise fitness.

He participated in 31 NFL games while playing for the Cardinals, New England Patriots, and New York Giants over the course of five seasons.

A statement from Cincinnati Athletics and Bearcat Football said, “The football family and the Cincinnati Athletics Department are heartbroken at the news of Korey Cunningham’s passing.” “Korey had an amazing work ethic, a contagious personality, and was a team captain. We are praying for his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time, as they will be much missed.”

Cunningham most recently played for the New York Giants, but in 2023, the organization dismissed him.

Cunningham’s death has not been linked to any conceivable cause.