Former New York Giants linebacker Quincy Monk dead at 36

NEW YORK, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- The University of North Carolina confirmed the death of one of its greatest former football players Tuesday.

Quincy Monk, who had 247 tackles and four sacks for the Tar Heels before being drafted in 2002 by the New York Giants, died at 36 years old. Monk died after a battle with adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer, according to WRAL-TV.

Monk was married and a father of two. His career ended in 2004, after two seasons with the Giants and two seasons with the Houston Texans.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of Quincy's passing this afternoon," UNC head coach Larry Fedora said in a statement. "Quincy came and spoke to the team earlier this year before our Wake Forest game. In the brief time I knew him, it became clear how great of person he was, how much this University meant to him and how much this football program was part of his life. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Lisa, and his two beautiful children, Naomi and Aiden."

Monk was honored as a Kenen Legend, along with UNC football captains, on the field Oct. 17 at North Carolina's game against Wake Forest.

Monk also suffered a stroke last June.

A GoFundMe account titled: "Help us Heel our Giant, Quincy Monk" had raised $60,199 in three months.