Josh Mauro’s sudden death at 35 leaves NFL in shock

Former Arizona Cardinals defensive end Josh Mauro has died at the age of 35, his family confirmed, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the NFL.

Mauro, who also played for the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders during an eight-year professional career, died on April 23. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed.

His father, Greg Mauro, shared the news in a statement on social media, describing the loss as devastating for the family.

“With many tears and broken hearts… we humbly ask for your prayers as our family walks through the loss of our amazing son, brother, uncle and friend,” the statement read.

He added that Mauro had “breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven”, as the family leaned on faith during the difficult time.

Career built on consistency

Mauro began his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent out of Stanford University and went on to carve out a steady role in the league.

He spent his first four seasons from 2014 to 2017 with the Cardinals, where he was part of the team that reached the 2015 NFC Championship game. Known for his work ethic and reliability, Mauro later had spells with the Giants and Raiders before returning to Arizona for the final stretch of his career.

Across 80 games, he recorded 130 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles.

Born in England and raised in Texas, Mauro was widely regarded as a dependable presence on and off the field.

Tributes from teammates and teams

The Raiders paid tribute in a brief statement, saying the organisation mourned Mauro’s passing and extended condolences to his loved ones.

Former Cardinals teammate Adrian Wilson remembered him as a player who could always be relied upon.

“Always in shape, always ready to go wherever he got that call… you could depend on him,” Wilson wrote.

Star defensive end J. J. Watt, who shared the field with Mauro in Arizona in 2021, also reacted to the news.

“We’re losing way too many, way too young… Rest in peace Josh,” he posted on X.

Mauro was also part of the Cardinals’ 2021 roster alongside Rondale Moore, whose death earlier this year at 25 had already shaken the team.