Full Breakdown
Former NFL Defensive End Josh Mauro Dies at 35
4/29/2026, 4:50:43 AM
Announcement and Immediate Response
Josh Mauro’s family announced on April 28 that the former defensive end died on April 23 at age 35. No cause of death was disclosed. The Raiders expressed “deepest condolences… with Josh’s family and friends,” while the Arizona Cardinals said they were “heartbroken” and offered “deepest condolences to everyone grieving this loss.”
Career Overview and Statistics
Born in St. Albans, England, Mauro moved to Texas at three, starred at L.D. Bell High School and played at Stanford. Undrafted in 2014, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, joined the Arizona Cardinals that November and later played for the New York Giants (2018), Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2019) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2020). Over 80 games he logged 130 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, five passes defended and 40 starts.
Official Statements from Teams
Raiders: “The deepest condolences of the Raiders Family are with Josh’s family and friends at this time.”
Cardinals: “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Josh Mauro… Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to everyone grieving this loss.”
Reactions from Former Teammates
Former teammates posted tributes. J.J. Watt wrote, “We’re losing way too many, way too young. Rest in peace, Josh.” Adrian Wilson said, “Always in shape, always was ready to go wherever he got that call… You could depend on him.” Arden Key called Mauro “a second coach besides Buck.”
Criticism & Controversy
Mauro was suspended four games in 2018 for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, according to the New York Post.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree that no cause of death has been released. No official medical explanation or investigation details have been provided, and speculation is absent from the reporting.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Greg Mauro, father
- “We’re losing way too many, way too young. Rest in Peace Josh.” — J.J. Watt, former Cardinals teammate
- “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,” — Adrian Wilson, former Cardinals safety
- “He’s a second coach besides Buck,” — Arden Key, former Raiders defensive end
What’s Next
The family has asked for prayers and has not indicated any forthcoming details. No public investigation or autopsy report has been announced, leaving the cause of death unresolved.
