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Former NFL Defensive End Josh Mauro Dies at 35

4/29/2026

44 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Mauro Dies

Josh Mauro, a 35-year-old NFL defensive end, died on April 23, 2026.
His father Greg Mauro announced the death on Facebook without a cause, prompting the Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders and teammate Adrian Wilson to issue statements of heartbreak and praise.
Mauro entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2014, played eight seasons with four teams, logged 80 games, 130 tackles and five sacks, and retired after the 2021 season.

Summary

Mauro Dies

J.J. Watt posted on X, “Rest in peace, Josh,” citing premature NFL deaths.
Mauro played at Stanford under David Shaw and earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 in 2013.
Undrafted in 2014, Mauro signed with the Steelers, was cut, then joined the Cardinals.
He appeared in five games, starting two, as a rookie with the Cardinals, launching an eight-season career that included 13 quarterback hits and five passes defensed.

History

Historical Context

In 2012 Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher, age 25, died in a murder-suicide that shocked the NFL. The 2026 death of former Arizona Cardinals player Mauro, mourned by teammate Adrian Wilson and J.J. Watt, echoes Belcher’s tragedy and renews calls for year-round cardiac screening and stronger retirement benefits for players.

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Mauro Dies

Josh Mauro, a 35-year-old NFL defensive end, died on April 23, 2026.
His father Greg Mauro announced the death on Facebook without a cause, prompting the Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders and teammate Adrian Wilson to issue statements of heartbreak and praise.
Mauro entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2014, played eight seasons with four teams, logged 80 games, 130 tackles and five sacks, and retired after the 2021 season.

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