“This season of my life has been the hardest yet,” Korey wrote in a lengthy Instagram post in August 2022. “Learning to let go of the things that no longer serve me and learning to start giving myself the care and attention that I’ve shown to others. Learning to celebrate the small things in life and small victories. Learning to love me and forgive myself.”
On Instagram, he described himself as a “shy person” but those who knew him, such as ESPN reporter Jordan Raanan, said he was “upbeat” and a “fun guy.”
After the news of Korey’s passing, many NFL players took to social media to send love to the late player and send his loved ones support.
The Cincinnati football team shared condolences on X, writing, “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.”
Meanwhile, offensive lineman Justin Pugh—who played with Korey on the Cardinals—recalled inviting the late NFL star to dinners, even after he’d left the team.
“He was beloved by all the guys regardless if you knew him or not!” Justin wrote in a post on X. “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.”