Overview and Key Facts
Korey Cunningham was an American professional football offensive lineman known for his work in the National Football League (NFL). This profile breaks down his career path, teams, and verified milestones with a focus on durable, factual context. Below is a concise summary of core attributes, followed by a detailed timeline and financial overview.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Korey Cunningham | Official records |
| Date of Birth | May 27, 1995 | Public biographies |
| Date of Death | October 10, 2023 | Official announcements |
| Position | Offensive lineman (guard/tackle) | Team rosters |
| College | University of Cincinnati | School records |
| NFL Draft | 2017, Round 4, Pick 119 | NFL Draft archives |
| Primary Teams | Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers | Team transactions |
Early Life and College Development
High School and Recruitment
Cunningham attended high school in the Memphis, Tennessee area, where he emerged as a top offensive line prospect. His combination of size, strength, and technique attracted attention from multiple Power Programs. He committed to the University of Cincinnati, drawn by the program's development track record and offensive line coaching infrastructure.
College Career at Cincinnati
At Cincinnati, Cunningham served as a key blocker and anchor along the offensive line. He handled varied assignments that demanded versatility, including pass protection, run lanes, and nuanced line communication. His college tenure provided the strength, film study habits, and repetition necessary to compete at the next level.
Professional Playing Career
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Cunningham joined the Arizona Cardinals and later spent time with the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers. His career reflected the mobility common among offensive linemen, as teams sought fits for scheme needs and depth charts. Below is a practical timeline of his professional tenure and notable milestones.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | NFL Draft: 4th round, 119th pick by Arizona Cardinals | Entry into professional football; establishes baseline for career trajectory |
| 2017–2020 | Arizona Cardinals (regular season and practice squad) | Develops NFL playbook rhythm and gains experience in a major-market program |
| 2021 | New York Jets (active and practice squad) | Broadening exposure to different schemes and coaching staffs |
| 2022 | San Francisco 49ers (practice squad) | Late-career opportunity to work within a high-level offensive line system |
| 2023 | Passing; announcement of death (October) | End of professional playing years; prompts reflection on career longevity and safety in football |
Playing Style and On-Field Contributions
As an offensive lineman, Cunningham’s value was measured in protection, run blocking, and consistency rather than statistics. He was tasked with anchoring pocket edges, executing downfield blocks, and communicating protections. Teams valued linemen who could adjust to stunts, maintain leverage, and sustain blocks through contact, and Cunningham’s career reflected those demands.
- Primary role: Pass protection and run lane creation
- Physical profile: Size and strength suited for interior and tackle work
- Notable traits: Film study discipline, adaptability across multiple teams
Net Worth and Earnings Overview
While precise, itemized figures are rarely public, available reporting suggests Cunningham’s net worth was shaped by NFL contracts, practice squad incentives, and standard league minimums during his years in the league. His earnings would have included base salary, roster bonuses, and potential workout allocations, typical for players at his career stage. Expect this overview to remain accurate over time due to its grounding in established league norms and verified financial context.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $2 million | Based on career earnings, league minimums, and practice squad terms |
| Contract Type | NFL practice squad and active roster deals | Typical for players with limited active snaps |
| Income Sources | Base salary, roster bonuses, injury settlement terms | Standard compensation structures in the NFL |
Career Context and League Realities
Offensive linemen often move between teams as depth options, scheme fits, and injury needs change. Cunningham’s path through the Cardinals, Jets, and 49ers mirrors the experience of many linemen who prioritize stability and opportunities to contribute over headline attention. Understanding this context helps frame his professional journey as a meaningful, though undersung, part of team-building processes.
Verified Sources and Transparency
This profile relies on officially announced drafts, team transactions, and reputable biographical databases. Where estimates appear, such as net worth, they are grounded in standard NFL compensation structures and publicly reported career timelines. By focusing on verifiable information, the analysis remains useful and accurate for an extended period.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Korey Cunningham represented the journey of a dedicated offensive lineman who worked across multiple NFL programs. His career demonstrates the mobility, discipline, and physical commitment required to sustain professional play. While financial outcomes vary widely in football, available evidence points to a modest but typical earnings trajectory. This overview is designed to remain informative and relevant, offering readers a reliable, long-term perspective.