NFL Draft 2024: Colts star Zaire Franklin pays tribute to both Korey Cunningham and Vontae Davis after their recent deaths before announcing his team's pick in Detroit

Indianapolis Colts star Zaire Franklin paid a touching tribute to former NFL players Korey Cunningham and Vontae Davis at the draft on Friday night after their deaths in recent weeks. 

Cunningham, a former player for the New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots, died at age 28 from an apparent suicide this week.

According to RLS Media Cunningham was found at his home in New Jersey and law enforcement say his death was self-inflicted with no suspicion of foul play. He was discovered on Thursday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Davis' body was discovered on April 1 when a housekeeper arrived for work and spotted the former cornerback slumped motionless on the floor of his gym at his home in Southwest Ranches, Florida 

There was no evidence of a break in and nothing was disturbed at the $4million mansion in the swish South Florida enclave where Gisele Bundchen, Dwayne Johnson and fellow football star Tyreek Hill have homes.

Taking to the stage on Friday night in Detroit, Franklin said: 'I just want to take this moment to give a special shoutout. Rest in peace to Korey Cunningham. Rest in peace to Vontae Davis. 

'We've got to love and support our players much longer after they walk across this stage and their playing days are done.'

The speech was shared by Davis' brother, Vernon, on Instagram. 

Cunningham, a 6-foot-6, 311-pound Alabama native, played 31 times in the NFL as an offensive tackle 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, Cunningham 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.'

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

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 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.' 

Former first round pick Vontae played for 10 seasons but shocked the sport in 2018 by removing himself from a game at halftime and declaring that he was 'done.'

Explaining his abrupt retirement, he told reporters his body had been worn down by multiple injuries and surgeries, adding: 'Reality hit me fast and hard: I shouldn't be out there anymore.'

Vontae also revealed he was worried about the risks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a devastating brain injury caused by repeated blows to the head.

His ex-wife Megan Harpe suggested in a text message to DailyMail.com earlier this month that he was suffering from the condition.

'Yes he had CTE … there is definitely a story here,' she said, without elaborating.

Reported symptoms of CTE include memory loss, depression, paranoia and suicidal thoughts. A recent study identified the disease in more than 300 deceased NFL players, including Patriots tight end-turned killer Aaron Hernandez.

Speaking about the mysterious death of his brother earlier this month, Vernon told DailyMail.com: 'I couldn't have asked for a better little brother.'