Josh Mauro, a former defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants, has died at the age of 35. His father, Greg Mauro, confirmed the news in a heartfelt Facebook post.
Family Announces Passing
“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,” Greg Mauro wrote. “On Thursday, April 23rd, Josh breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven.”
Tributes from Former Teams
The Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders, two of Mauro’s former teams, issued statements honoring his memory. “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Josh Mauro,” the Cardinals said. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to everyone grieving this loss.”
Adrian Wilson, a former Cardinals safety, recalled Mauro’s dedication. “Always in shape, always was ready to go wherever he got that call. One of the things I respected most about him. You could depend on him,” Wilson wrote on social media.
Career and Background
Mauro was born in England while his father worked there, and his family returned to the US a few years later. He attended high school in Texas, where he excelled in football, then played college football at Stanford University, majoring in management science and engineering.
Undrafted, he carved out an eight-year NFL career with the Cardinals (2014–2017 and 2020–2021), Giants (2018), and Raiders (2019). Over 80 games, he recorded 130 tackles and five sacks. In 2017, he returned to the UK to play with the Cardinals in London, saying, “Every Sunday when I take the field I appreciate it. I am grateful, and I embrace it. It’s a blessing to be out there. This game has been wonderful to me.”
Mauro came from an athletic family; three of his brothers also played college football.
