Former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro has died at the age of 35, his family announced on Tuesday.
Mauro, an English-born defensive lineman, passed away on April 23, according to a public statement shared by his father Greg. No cause of death is known at this time.
‘With many tears and broken hearts, yet anchored in the unshakable certainty that our precious Josh Mauro is now healed and made new – living in the presence of the Lord – we humbly covet your prayers as our family walks through the devastating loss,’ the statement read.
It added that Mauro ‘breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven.’
The former NFL defenseman was described as an ‘amazing son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend.’
Born in St. Albans near London England, Mauro moved to the United States when he was three years old, growing up in Texas.
Former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro has died at the age of 35, his family announced
Mauro had stints with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants and Oakland Raiders
After emerging as a standout talent in high school, he played college football at Stanford University.
Mauro went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft but was later signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
However, his stint with the Steelers was extremely brief with Mauro released during the team’s final roster cuts.
He ultimately landed with the Arizona Cardinals where his professional career truly began.
Mauro spent the majority of his career in Arizona, playing four seasons with the Cardinals from 2014 to 2017 before returning for a second stint from 2020 to 2021.
He established himself as a rotational defensive lineman and occasional starter. During the 2016 season, he started 13 games and recorded a career-high 42 tackles.
He also enjoyed stints with the New York Giants in 2018, the Oakland Raiders in 2019, and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020, before finishing his career back with the Cardinals following the 2021 season.
After the heartbreaking news of Mauro’s passing emerged, the football community took to social media to pay tribute to the former defenseman.
After emerging as a standout talent in high school, he played college football at Stanford
Mauro’s former Cardinals teammate Adrian Wilson led the tributes, sharing: ‘Prayers go out to Josh Mauro and his family. Had the opportunity to be around Josh for several years with BA. Always in shape, always was ready to go wherever he got that call. One of the things I respected most about him. You could depend on him.’
‘Saddens me greatly,’ sports anchor Rudy Reyes posted on X. ‘One thing to note, he was in Steelers Camp but didn’t make the cut. I interviewed Josh Mauro prior to going to the pros. He was an outstanding person. My condolences go to his family right now.’
‘Rest In Peace,’ a Raiders fan shared. ‘You are an Oakland Raider, which is a special honor. May God bless the Mauro family at this time.’
‘oh my….absolutely loved this guy coming out. Horrible situation…,’ another social media user shared.
