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Former NFL End Josh Mauro Dies from Fentanyl Overdose

5/16/2026

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Summary

Josh Mauro Overdose

The U.S. medical examiner ruled that former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro died from an accidental overdose on April 23, caused by intoxication of fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol.
Mauro’s father, Greg Mauro, announced the death on Facebook and asked for prayers.
Mauro entered the NFL in 2014 as an undrafted Stanford free agent, spent six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, played for the Steelers, Giants and Raiders, and returned in 2020-2021.

Summary

Mauro Death

Phoenix police found Mauro’s body at Arizona home on April 23 at 12:20 p.m., noting no foul play.
Maxx Crosby posted saying he was “sick to my stomach” about Mauro’s death and wished he had helped.
The Arizona Cardinals released a statement on April 28 expressing condolences while Larry Fitzgerald wrote a letter to Mauro’s father recalling his curiosity and generosity.
Mauro, born in England, served a Giants suspension for a PED violation.

History

Historical Context

After Purdue Pharma introduced OxyContin in 1996, aggressive marketing spurred a 400 % jump in opioid prescriptions from 1999 to 2010, igniting a nationwide addiction crisis. Decades later, the epidemic reached professional sports, exemplified by NFL safety Josh Mauro’s fentanyl-cocaine-ethanol overdose on April 23 2024, prompting the league and the Players Association to expand testing and treatment.

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Josh Mauro Overdose

The U.S. medical examiner ruled that former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro died from an accidental overdose on April 23, caused by intoxication of fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol.
Mauro’s father, Greg Mauro, announced the death on Facebook and asked for prayers.
Mauro entered the NFL in 2014 as an undrafted Stanford free agent, spent six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, played for the Steelers, Giants and Raiders, and returned in 2020-2021.

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