The NFL world is in mourning after the sudden death of Josh Mauro, a former defensive lineman who played for multiple teams including the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars. He was just 35 years old.
Although Mauro passed away on April 23, the heartbreaking news didn’t become public until his father, Greg Mauro, shared an emotional message on social media.
“With many tears and a broken heart, but holding fast to the unshakable certainty that our beloved Josh Mauro is now healed and renewed—living in the presence of the Lord—we humbly ask for your prayers as our family endures the devastating loss of our wonderful son, brother, uncle, grandson, and friend,” Greg wrote. “On Thursday, April 23, Josh breathed his last breath on this earth and took his first breath in heaven. The Lord has been our strength in this unimaginable time. Your prayers that we may continue to have strength and comfort mean more to us than words could ever express.”
Tributes quickly began pouring in from across the league. The Cardinals released a statement expressing their grief, saying they were “deeply saddened” by Mauro’s passing and offering condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Former Cardinals player and executive Adrian Wilson also shared a personal tribute, remembering Mauro as a dependable and hardworking presence.
“I had the opportunity to be around Josh for several years alongside coach Bruce Arians,” Wilson wrote. “Josh always in shape, always ready to go wherever he was called. One of the things I respected most about him was that he could be trusted.”
Mauro built a respected eight-season career in the National Football League after entering the league in 2014. He spent his early years with the Cardinals and was part of the team that made a deep playoff run to the NFC Championship Game during the 2015 season. Known for his toughness and versatility on the defensive line, he later went on to suit up for the Giants, Raiders, and Jaguars, carving out a role as a reliable contributor wherever he played.
Born in St Albans, England, while his father was working overseas, Mauro moved to the United States at a young age and eventually rose through the ranks to reach the highest level of football.
At this time, no cause of death has been released.