The football community is mourning the loss of former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro, who passed away on April 23, 2026, at the age of 35. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a public statement released on Tuesday, April 28, asking for prayers and support as they navigate this unimaginable grief. "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," Mauro’s father, Greg Mauro, wrote on Facebook. "On Thursday, April 23rd, 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."
Josh Mauro’s cause of death has not been made public, despite speculation on social media. The family has not confirmed any rumors and has asked for privacy as they grieve. The outpouring of support from fans, former teammates, and the wider NFL community has been overwhelming, with many remembering Mauro not just for his contributions on the field but for his character off it. One fan described him as "such a high-motor guy on the field, especially during those early years with the Cardinals where he really made a name for himself as a run-stuffer," calling the loss "absolutely heartbreaking." Another wrote, "What a talented, loving and gifted man! We don’t understand these things but trust in the One who does. Our prayers are with you all!"
Born on February 17, 1991, in St. Albans, England, Mauro moved to Texas as a child, where he developed into a standout high school football player. His journey took him to Stanford University, where he played from 2010 to 2013. During his collegiate career, Mauro recorded 81 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He graduated in 2013, leaving a mark as a determined and reliable presence on Stanford’s defensive line.
Despite his collegiate success, Mauro went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft. Undeterred, he signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Though he did not make the final roster in Pittsburgh, his persistence paid off when he was picked up by the Arizona Cardinals. Mauro would spend the majority of his professional career with the Cardinals, playing for them from 2014 to 2017 and returning for a second stint from 2020 to 2021. During his time in Arizona, he became known for his relentless work ethic, particularly as a run defender. His most productive season came in 2016, when he started 13 games and recorded a career-high 42 tackles, cementing his reputation as a key part of the Cardinals’ defensive front.
Mauro’s NFL journey also included single seasons with several other teams. In 2018, he joined the New York Giants, followed by a year with the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders in 2019, and then the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020. Across his NFL career, Mauro appeared in 80 games, tallying 130 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. His high energy and tenacity made him a valued teammate wherever he played, with coaches and players alike speaking highly of his leadership and dedication.
However, Mauro’s career was not without its challenges. He served two four-game suspensions for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances—first in 2018 while with the Giants, and again in 2020 during his second stint with the Cardinals. Despite these setbacks, Mauro continued to work hard and contribute both on the field and in the locker room. He retired from professional football following the 2021 season, closing the chapter on a career that had its share of ups and downs but was marked by resilience and perseverance.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world since the announcement of his passing. Sports podcaster Rudy Reyes shared, "Saddens me greatly. 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." Fans, former teammates, and coaches have echoed similar sentiments, remembering Mauro as a player who gave his all and as a person of deep faith and compassion.
While his professional statistics—130 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery over 80 games—reflect a solid NFL career, it's the personal impact Mauro made that seems to resonate most with those who knew him. His family’s statement, filled with faith and gratitude despite their pain, has inspired many to reflect on the importance of community and support in times of loss. "Praying you guys are comforted by the tangible presence of God and by dear family and friends who knew Josh," wrote one Facebook user. Another added, "I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. I’m grateful knowing he’s at peace and made whole, but he will be missed beyond measure."
Mauro’s journey from England to Texas, then to the heights of college and professional football, is a testament to his determination and love for the game. He overcame the odds as an undrafted player, carved out a role in the NFL, and became a respected figure on every team he joined. His story is one of perseverance, faith, and the pursuit of excellence, both on and off the field.
As the Mauro family, friends, and the broader football community continue to process this loss, the legacy of Josh Mauro endures—not just in the record books, but in the hearts of those he touched. The cause of his untimely death remains undisclosed, and the family has requested privacy as they grieve. For now, the football world pauses to remember a player who left everything on the field and a man whose spirit and kindness will not be forgotten.
Josh Mauro’s memory lives on in the stories shared by teammates, the prayers of fans, and the love of his family. As the NFL community reflects on his life and career, his impact—both as an athlete and as a person—remains undeniable.