Former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro has died at the age of 35, his family and former teams announced Tuesday.
His father, Greg Mauro, confirmed the news on Facebook. He wrote: “With many tears and broken hearts, but anchored in the unwavering certainty that our precious Josh Mauro is now healed and renewed, living in the presence of the Lord.”
Mauro’s cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Mauro began his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals in 2014 and played for the franchise until 2018. He then went on to play for the New York Giants, Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars between 2018 and 2020, before returning to the Cardinals for his final season in 2021.
Over the course of his career, Mauro played in 80 games, starting in 40, and recorded five sacks and two forced fumbles.
The Cardinals said they were heartbroken by the news and extended their “deepest condolences to all who mourn this loss.”
The Raiders also paid a heartfelt tribute to the athlete through a social media post. The team wrote: “The Raiders family’s deepest condolences go out to Josh’s family and friends at this time.”
Stanford University, where Mauro played college football, also remembered him: “A 2013 All-Pac-12 honorable mention selection, Mauro was an integral part of four bowl teams, helping lead Stanford to a pair of Rose Bowl appearances.”
