Former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro has died at the age of 35, his family announced Tuesday.
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Mauro's father, Greg Mauro, confirmed the death in a post on Facebook, saying his son died on April 23. A cause of death was not disclosed.
"With many tears and broken hearts, yet anchored in the unshakable certainty that our precious Josh Mauro is now healed and made new ... we humbly covet your prayers as our family walks through the devastating loss," Greg Mauro wrote. "On Thursday, April 23rd, Josh breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven."
Mauro, a Stanford graduate, entered the NFL in 2014 and went on to play six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He later spent time with the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars, appearing in a total of 80 career games.
Over his career, Mauro recorded 130 tackles and five sacks, carving out a role as a reliable defensive lineman, particularly against the run.
Tributes began to surface following news of his death, with former colleagues and members of the football community remembering him for both his play and his character.
"He was an outstanding person," sports podcaster Rudy Reyes wrote in a social media post, offering condolences to Mauro's family.
Mauro's family asked for continued prayers as they grieve his loss.
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. https://t.co/VIc4NEDF0n
— Rudy Reyes (@rudedogreyes) April 28, 2026
