The Arizona Cardinals announced the death of former defensive end Josh Mauro. At this time, his cause of death has not been revealed.
Born in England, where his father was stationed for work, Mauro’s family returned to the United States around the time he was three years old. He would then go on to play college football at Stanford before going undrafted in 2014. He would eventually catch on with the Cardinals, where he had two separate stops in his professional career.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Josh Mauro,” the Cardinals said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to everyone grieving this loss.”
Mauro’s family would confirm his death on social media as well. He was 35 years old.
Josh Mauro Went From Undrafted to Arizona Cardinals Contributor
GettyFormer Arizona Cardinals defensive end Josh Mauro
While playing at Stanford, Josh Mauro proved to be a consistent contributor. That included an excellent senior season when he managed to produce 4.0 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss. Despite that, he would go undrafted.
The first team Mauro signed with in the NFL was the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he never made it to the regular season roster there. Instead, he would later get picked up by the Cardinals. That’s when his NFL career took off.
As a rookie, Mauro cracked the Cardinals roster and was able to play in five games. Over time, he was able to earn more playing time and continue to contribute. He would later earn an extension before the team released him in 2018.
From there, he would bounce around the NFL. That included stops with the New York Giants, the Oakland Raiders, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. That time with the Giants did include a brief suspension for violating the league’s performance enhancing substance policy. Later, he received a similar suspension with the Jaguars.
In 2020, Mauro would return to the Cardinals, getting signed off the Jaguars practice squad. He would later be placed on IR in 2020, before ending his career in 2021 on the practice squad for Arizona.
Josh Mauro finished his NFL career playing in 80 games, 55 of which were with the Cardinals. He had 130 total tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 20 tackles for a loss. On top of that, he forced 2 fumbles.
The Statement from Mauro’s Family
GettyJosh Mauro with the Oakland Raiders
It was Josh Mauro’s father who wrote about his death on social media. There, he shared a statement, asking for prayers for his son.
“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 of our amazing son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend,” the statement read.
“Josh breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven. The Lord has been our strength in this unimaginable moment. Your prayers for continued strength and comfort mean more to us than words could ever express.”
Thoughts and prayers for Mauro have been coming in publicly from his former teammates and fans. That includes JJ Watt, who wrote, “We’re losing way too many, way too young … Rest in Peace Josh.”
Former Cardinals Defensive End Josh Mauro Has Died at the Age of 35